LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin Founder of the Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative (HOFOWEM) and wife of former Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has admonished youths, especially girls, to focus on their ambitions rather than needless intimate relationships that could jeopardize their dreams.
She shared this advice at the launch of the book ‘Let the Child Live’, authored by Caroline Oluwadare, a beneficiary of HOFOWEM, in Lagos.
Mrs. Ambode, represented by Mrs. Oyefunke Olayinka, reiterated the importance of serving those in need, and urged parents to enhance their roles by instilling self-discipline and moral values in their children.
She said: “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.”
Reflecting on HOFOWEM’s impact on the society, Mrs. Ambode said: “HOFOWEM was 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 crystallise 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.
The former first lady also admonished 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.”
Caroline Oluwadare said the book is intended to be a platform to create awareness among teenagers and youths, on sexual abstinence and effective ways to handle teenage pregnancy ‘which is a major social plague’.
“The essence of today’s event extends beyond the immediate activities at this book launch. It is about the long-term impact on society, achieving our SDGs 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,” she said.
Keynote Speaker Mrs. Juliet Obijiaku encouraged girls to prioritise their career goals and personal development while avoiding intimate relationships that could jeopardize their dreams.
She emphasised 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 abstinence as the primary solution for youths who want to achieve their dreams and career goals.
The book reviewer, Mrs. Toyin Olanrewaju, hailed the author for doing justice to the subject matter with her writing style.
According to her, the 152 pages book didn’t only identify the problem, but also provides solution to the menace dragging the youth backwards.
She harped on the ‘Zip Up’ campaign, urging youths who were already victims of teenage pregnancy to speak up instead dying in silence. Olarewaju also urged parents not condemn victims of teenage pregnancy but give them courage to scale through the difficult time.
