The First Lady of Lagos State, Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has flagged off the 2026 Lagos Boy Child Initiative Residential Camp with an educational tour of major military and security institutions across the state.
Hundreds of boys participating in the camp visited formations of the Nigerian Army in Maryland, Ikeja, the Nigerian Navy in Apapa, the Nigerian Air Force in Ikeja, and the Department of State Services in Ojo. The visits were aimed at broadening their understanding of career prospects within Nigeria’s defence and security institutions.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Sanwo-Olu explained that the exposure programme was intentionally designed to help young boys make informed decisions about their future and to instill values such as discipline, patriotism, and commitment to service.
She noted that many young people shy away from careers in the armed forces due to inadequate awareness and persistent misconceptions. According to her, structured engagement with security agencies would help reshape perceptions and spark renewed interest in these professions.
The First Lady emphasised that mentoring the boy child is essential to building balanced communities, adding that advocacy must provide equal guidance and opportunity for both boys and girls to thrive.
During the visit to the Ikeja military cantonment, her representative, Mrs. Falilat Obasa, reiterated the state government’s resolve to provide platforms that shape character and encourage responsible citizenship among young boys.
Speaking at the event, Brigadier-General Ayokunle Owolabi, Commander of the 9 Brigade, described the initiative as a forward-looking effort to positively influence young minds. He highlighted discipline, resilience, and focus as qualities necessary for success in both military and civilian careers.
At the Nigerian Air Force Logistics Command in Ikeja, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh commended the programme, stressing that early mentorship plays a vital role in preparing young people for leadership and national service. He encouraged the participants to remain ambitious and dedicated to their goals.
Officials of the Navy and the DSS also welcomed the initiative, observing that firsthand exposure to security institutions can strengthen patriotism and reinforce values of integrity and courage.
Now in its fourth year, the Lagos Boy Child Initiative Residential Camp has brought together more than 500 boys from public and private schools, including participants from correctional and underserved communities across the state.
The four-day camp is structured to provide leadership training, mentorship sessions, and career guidance, with the objective of nurturing confident, disciplined, and socially responsible young men.
