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The Headquarters, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, on Tuesday 24th February, 2026, hosted the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as she led over 200 school boys drawn from selected unity, public, private, faith-based secondary school within Lagos to TA Lagbaja Cantonment to mark the 4th year anniversary of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative.
The educational tour formed part of activities organized under the Boy Child Initiative by the office of the First Lady of Lagos State aimed at mentoring, reorienting, and positively shaping the mindset of young boys across Lagos State, guiding them towards informed career choices and steering them away from social vices.
In her remarks, Dr. Mrs. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of nurturing the boy child to become responsible, disciplined, and patriotic leaders of tomorrow. She commended the Nigerian Army for opening its doors to the young participants and for its continued role in safeguarding the nation’s unity and sovereignty.
In his opening remarks, the Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, described the Nigerian Army as an institution built on timeless values.
He said “The Nigerian Army is not just about uniforms and parades; it is about honour, integrity, leadership, and selfless service. It is about defending the weak, protecting our sovereignty of our nation, and standing firm in times of uncertainty. There is no greater calling than serving your nation and humanity. There is no better service than service to your country,” he stated.
Brigadier General Owolabi encouraged the boys to consider a future career in the Nigerian Army, stressing that the Army does not only build soldiers but builds leaders, leaders capable of guiding the nation and upholding its highest ideals.
The Year 2026 Residential Workshop featured a documentary presentation on the evolution of the Nigerian Army, highlighting its rich history, achievements, and contributions to national development and peacekeeping operations.
The session was followed by an engaging interactive segment where the boys asked thought-provoking questions about the roles, responsibilities, and opportunities within the Army.
Present at the event were the wife of the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Olusola Obasa; members of the Lagos State Committee of Officials; the Coordinator and Executives of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association 9 Brigade Chapter; senior military officers; and other distinguished guests.
In a statement by the spokesperson of the Brigade, Major Akinola Ajibola added that the excursion concluded with renewed mindset by the boys to pursue a career in the Army through continued mentorship, discipline, patriotism, and leadership, thereby reinforcing the shared vision of building a stronger and more secure Nigeria through the positive development of the boy child.
