Ex-Lagos First Lady urges youth to prioritize ambitions over intimate relationships

Former Lagos State First Lady and founder of the Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative (HOFOWEM), Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has encouraged Nigerian youths, especially girls, to focus on their ambitions rather than engaging in needless intimate relationships that could jeopardize their dreams.

Mrs. Ambode shared this advice at the launch of the book “Let the Child Live” by Caroline Oluwadare, a beneficiary of HOFOWEM, in Lagos.

The former Lagos First Lady who was represented at the occasion by Mrs. Oyefunke Olayinka, emphasized the importance of serving those in need and urged parents to enhance their parenting roles by instilling self-discipline, good moral values, and cautioning against bad influences in their children.

“Early in our children’s lives, we must impart self-discipline, good moral values, and constant admonition against waywardness and bad peer groups. Above all, we must raise them in the way of God, with constant prayers for divine wisdom, guidance, and direction, for them to navigate their lives to success,” Mrs. Ambode said.

Reflecting on HOFOWEM’s impact on society, she remarked, “HOFOWEM is just a little idea, envisioned as a vehicle to extend a hand of help to someone in need. Little did I know that a tiny seed of hope sown into someone’s life would soon crystallize into a huge testimony, such as we are witnessing today.”

She highlighted that HOFOWEM had provided scholarships to Caroline and three other promising youths, all of whom graduated with First Class Honours. “HOFOWEM is proud of you all, and I am indeed very proud of you all too,” she added.

Mrs. Ambode urged youths, particularly girls, to emulate the foundation’s beneficiaries and avoid rushing into risky and unnecessary intimate relationships that could derail their aspirations.

Praising the author and others, she said: “Despite peer pressure, numerous social temptations on and off campus, and various challenges, Caroline and her colleagues stayed focused on their academic pursuits. They refused to be swayed, distracted, or led astray, dedicating all their attention and energy towards achieving their academic goals.

“Distinguished guests, my dear children here present; girls, boys, students, and youths; here is Caroline for you, as well as her colleagues, all products of proper reasoning, who made the necessary sacrifices first to enjoy a great life later. I celebrate you all.”

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Earlier in her welcome address, the author, Oluwadare, noted that the book was intended to be a platform for creating awareness among teenagers and youths, on sexual abstinence and effective ways of handling teenage pregnancy, which she described as a major social plague.

She said: “The essence of today’s event extends beyond the immediate activities at this book launch. It is about long-term impact on society, achieving our SDG, Goals 1, 3, and 10; zero hunger, good health and well-being, and reduced inequality. It is about looking at the bigger picture, away from our mistakes and away from the present, which oftentimes seems hopeless and limiting”.

Also, the keynote speaker at the event, Mrs. Juliet Obijiaku encouraged girls to prioritize their career goals and personal development while avoiding intimate relationships that could jeopardize their dreams.

She emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns to address teenage pregnancy and combat the stigma surrounding it.

Mrs. Obijiaku also called for supportive environments and programs to assist victims of teenage pregnancy.

She advocated for abstinence from sex as the primary solution for youths who want to achieve their dreams and career goals.

According to her, abstinence allows teenagers to focus on their education and personal development, providing the opportunity to establish their careers and futures before considering starting a family.

Furthermore, she noted that abstinence encourages self-control, self-respect, and empowers teenagers to make choices that align with their long-term goals.

The book reviewer, Mrs.Toyin Olanrewaju commended the author for doing justice to the subject matter with her style of writing .

According to her, the 152 pages book didn’t only identified the problem but also offers solution to the menace dragging the youth backwards.

She harped on Zip Up campaign, urging youth who were already victim of teenage pregnancy to speak up instead dying in silence.

Olarewaju also urged parents not condemned victims of teenage pregnancy but to give them courage to scale through the difficult time.