Mohammed Mohammed; Nsikan Saviour; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Adenuga Isaiah and Babatunde Ajibade during a courtesy visit by the 200 participants of the 3-day Lagos Boy Child Initiative Residential Workshop organized by the Office of the First Lady at the Conference Room, of the Office of the Deputy Governor, the RoundHouse, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, has urged young students, especially boys, to see education as a vital opportunity for growth and development rather than dismissing it as a scam.

The Deputy Governor gave this advice during a courtesy visit to his office by nearly 200 students from various schools and correctional centres across the state.

The visit was part of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative organised by the Office of the First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

He assured the students that, despite challenges, the state government is committed to supporting them beyond their school certificate level and into tertiary education if they choose to pursue it.

According to Hamzat, “There is an erroneous ongoing saying dubbing education as a scam, which many of you are repeating while dropping out of school. The promise of education is not riches; it only promises knowledge and wisdom, which can translate to riches. So, anyone who says education is a scam is a liar. I want you to recognise the value of education in broadening your horizons and transforming your life.”

He stressed that experience has shown education to be a pathway to success, provided one takes it seriously.

The Deputy Governor highlighted that education is not just about literacy—the ability to read and write—but also about acquiring skills relevant to daily life and offering marketable solutions that society needs.

Encouraging the students, he noted that talent, when enhanced by education, becomes more valuable. He added that research shows most artists are educated, possessing at least a secondary school certificate, if not a degree.

“Therefore, I advise you to nurture your dreams. Presently, you are at the age where it is right to dream and have a vision. But what leads to the failure of dreams is bad company,” he said.

Hamzat warned them to avoid friends who do not add positive value to their lives, emphasising that cultism has become rampant among youths and is the quickest route to destruction and lost dreams.

Additionally, he urged them to shun drug and substance abuse, stating that it does not lead to a good life but instead deceives and disrupts dreams.

He further encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith, whether Muslim or Christian.

“Allah hears prayers and provides help. He makes our paths straight. Remember, heaven helps those who help themselves. Be fervent in your prayers,” he advised.

Speaking on the state’s education policies, Dr. Hamzat reiterated that the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the government ensures the right to education up to the senior school certificate level.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that boys receive a quality education.

Commending the First Lady for the initiative, he noted that Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu is championing an agenda that will drive new advocacy for boy-child issues.

“We must show our gratitude to her by being serious and focused. I urge you to treasure the experience and open your minds to the various presentations and ideas that will be shared with you.”

Earlier, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, explained that the Lagos Boy Child Initiative was designed to groom boys for purposeful living while building a network of future leaders and advocates.

She noted that the initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to raising visionary leaders, responsible future fathers, and husbands for a better Nigeria.

Highlighting the programme’s impact, she stated that in the past two years, over 400 boys had been directly transformed through the initiative’s camping exercises, while many others have been influenced indirectly.

“Through the Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI), we have been able to showcase talents, which has led to some of our participants gaining admission into tertiary institutions. Currently, some boys are under the LBCI scholarship up to the tertiary level of education.”

Pharm. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Oke Osanyintolu; Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Mobolaji Daba; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat during a courtesy visit by the 200 participants of the 3-day Lagos Boy Child Initiative Residential Workshop organized by the Office of the First Lady at the Conference Room, of the Office of the Deputy Governor, the RoundHouse, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu further disclosed that “As part of our activities, these boys will be camped for three days, beginning today, where they will receive training from seasoned professionals and experts. The camp will take place at Agbowa, and we are confident that the knowledge and skills imparted during this period will be invaluable. During the residential workshop, our boys will be trained in culinary skills as a life skill in readiness for the future, especially as Lagos moves towards food tourism.”

Reiterating the impact of the initiative, she emphasised that over the past two years, the programme had transformed many lives.

“Through the Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI), we have been able to showcase talents that have led to some participants gaining admission into tertiary institutions. Currently, some boys are under the LBCI scholarship up to the tertiary level of education.”

Speaking on the purpose of the visit to the Office of the Deputy Governor, the First Lady stated that it was a strategic move to foster collaboration.

She highlighted the importance of allowing the boys to tap into his wealth of experience, not only as a politician but as a distinguished technocrat who has made significant contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria.

“Your outstanding track record of efficient and effective leadership over the years is an inspiration. You are not only a role model in governance but also a shining example of how to balance a successful career with fulfilling family life—qualities that are essential for mentoring these boys into becoming well-rounded professionals and family men in the future,” she said.

She urged the participants to make the most of the opportunity, encouraging them to absorb as much as possible from the workshop and strive to become the best versions of themselves.


Dr. Sanwo-Olu also assured them that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for their success and a brighter future.


https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/02/17/education-is-no-scam-hamzat-challenges-lagos-boys-to-embrace-learning/