The First Lady of Lagos State, Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has led hundreds of school boys on an educational tour of key military and security formations as activities commenced for the 2026 Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) Residential Camp.
The tour covered visits to the Nigerian Army Cantonment in Maryland, Ikeja; the Nigerian Navy base in Apapa; the Nigerian Air Force in Ikeja; and the Department of State Services office in Ojo. The initiative aims to expose participants to career opportunities within Nigeria’s security architecture.
Addressing the boys during the tour, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of discipline, patriotism and purposeful career planning. She encouraged them to consider opportunities in the armed forces and other security services, describing such paths as honourable and rewarding.
“This exposure is not just about sightseeing; it is about shaping your future. At this critical stage of your lives, you must begin to think intentionally about your career paths. The military and other security services offer honourable and rewarding opportunities to serve your country,” she said.
She noted that declining interest in military careers among young people is often linked to limited exposure and misconceptions about the profession. According to her, the LBCI was designed to address these gaps through structured engagement and mentorship, with a focus on raising disciplined, responsible and productive young men.
The First Lady also called for balanced advocacy for both boys and girls, stressing that the boy child must not be neglected in ongoing social development efforts.
“We must not neglect the boy child. Every child deserves equal opportunity, guidance and mentorship to succeed. Through this initiative, we are nurturing future leaders and helping them realise their full potential,” she added.
At the Ikeja Cantonment, she was represented by Mrs. Falilat Obasa, who reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to mentoring young boys through strategic exposure and leadership development.
Commander of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Ayokunle Owolabi, described the initiative as a strategic platform for shaping the mindset of young boys and steering them away from negative influences. He underscored discipline as the bedrock of success in both military and civilian life.
“The Nigerian Army is not just about wearing the uniform; it is about building character and leadership. Your background does not define your future — your determination does. Nigeria is counting on you,” he said.
Similarly, the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, speaking at the Nigerian Air Force Logistics Command in Ikeja, commended the initiative and highlighted the importance of early mentorship in shaping responsible adults. He urged the boys to dream big and remain focused on their aspirations.
Officials of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Navy also praised the programme, noting that early exposure to security institutions helps foster patriotism, integrity and national consciousness among young people.
Now in its fourth edition, the four-day 2026 LBCI Residential Camp has attracted over 500 boys from public and private schools, as well as correctional and underserved communities across Lagos State. The programme is designed to provide mentorship, leadership training and career guidance aimed at building a generation of disciplined, confident and socially responsible young men.