On August 29, 2024, the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted a Silver Award Ceremony at Lagos House, Ikeja. The ceremony which was aimed at celebrating the achievements of over 150 young people who have completed the Silver level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (known in Nigeria as the International Award for Young People Nigeria), saw 85 young people physically receive their Silver Award certificates and badges from the Governor. This event also marked the 10th anniversary of the International Award for Young People Nigeria, themed “Celebrating Infinite Impact.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the ceremony, commended the Silver Award recipients and encouraged them to remain focused on achieving a brighter future. He urged the young achievers to strive for excellence in all their endeavours and seize the opportunities the program provided. The Governor also advised them to resist peer pressure and social media distractions, emphasizing the importance of staying on track to realize their full potential.
Addressing the attendees virtually, Mr. Olawale Edun, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The International Award for Young People Nigeria and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, praised the Silver Awardees’ perseverance in overcoming the program’s challenges. He encouraged them to aim for the Gold Award, which would set them apart from their peers.
Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth development and urged the recipients to continue pursuing excellence. He also announced that the State has approved the delivery of the Award in three correctional centres in Lagos state, ensuring that young people in confinement can also benefit from the program.
One of the Silver Award recipients, John Emmanuella Kosisochukwu, delivered a poem titled “The Journey So Far,” reflecting on the challenges faced and the progress made during their participation in the Award. The poem emphasized how the experience helped them build resilience along the way. Other participants shared testimonies on how the Award has motivated them to pursue their dreams, build teams, and foster commitment.
In an interview, the National Director of the International Award for Young People Nigeria, Mr. Oshoke Joseph Bello, highlighted the significance of the ceremony in celebrating the achievements of young people who have reached the Silver level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. He expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for their support in hosting the event and announced the launch of a new initiative, the Gold Challenge, aimed at empowering young people to achieve the Gold level.
The ceremony was a joyous occasion, with the Silver Awardees receiving their certificates from Governor Sanwo-Olu, who inspired and motivated them with his words. Other dignitaries in attendance included The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro; Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. (Mrs.) Zainab Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu; Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Ali-Balogun; and Permanent Secretaries from the various Education Districts in Lagos State.
