Today, I was immensely touched by the action of an 11-year-old head boy from Corona School in Gbagada, Lagos. The boy named Tolu on his own took the initiative to invite me as Special Guest of Honour to his primary six school graduation ceremony.
I was gladdened by his initiative at such a tender age and was even more astonished and elated interacting with the young lad. When I asked him how he knew me, he said that he had followed my journey during the elections and was inspired by the good things people said about me.
Then, with a curious mind, he asked the question that melted my heart: “What can I do to be a good person like you?” I encouraged him to always embrace honesty, listen to his parents, teachers, and elders; and always do the right thing.
I urged him to study hard and resist the temptation to follow the crowd when it is wrong. In that moment, I envisioned a brighter future for the boy child, and for entire Nigeria, led by young trailblazers like Tolu, who will excel in various fields and bring positive change.
With the best education and a strong moral compass, this young boy and every boy child will rise above their challenges and shine as beacons of hope to shape a better tomorrow for their generation. I am honored to have played a small part in inspiring him, and a lot of children and youths in our nation, to be strong forces for good.
Happy International Day of the Boy Child to every Nigerian boy. The New Nigeria is for you to thrive and shine. –
PO
