By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on young people, especially the recipients of the Silver Award from the International Award for Young People Nigeria, to remain focused and strive for excellence as they work towards achieving a greater tomorrow.
Addressing the awardees at the Silver Award Presentation Ceremony and the 10th Anniversary of the International Award for Young People Nigeria, held at Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday, Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged the 200 public school students, aged between 16 and 24, to make the most of the opportunities provided by the globally recognized Edinburgh’s International Award framework.
He urged the students to see their achievement as a stepping stone to even greater success and to resist negative influences, including peer pressure and social media. “Believe in yourself,” Sanwo-Olu advised. “At age 15, 16, continue to say to yourselves that you will always do the right thing. Stay focused. Don’t join the crowd or think it’s okay to do the wrong thing. It is from now that you mold your tomorrow. It is from now that you determine what your future will be, and only by doing the right thing can that future come to reality.”
In a virtual address during the event, the Board Chair of the International Award for Young People Nigeria and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, praised the resilience of the young people who had achieved the Silver Award despite the rigorous demands of the program. He encouraged the awardees to pursue their dreams and aim for the Gold Award, which would further distinguish them among their peers.
Edun also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu, as well as to the mentors and teachers who have played a crucial role in guiding the future leaders of tomorrow.
Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, also spoke at the event, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to youth development and urging young people to continue striving for excellence.
The ceremony was a moment of joy and inspiration for the Silver Awardees, who received their certificates from Governor Sanwo-Olu. The students were visibly thrilled by the Governor’s presence and his words of motivation.
