Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has urged young people to focus not only on what they want to become but also on the kind of people they intend to become.
Epe Insights reports that Hamzat made the call while speaking to thousands of young people at “The Youth That Knows The Lord” programme organised by The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries (TLCCRM).
The Deputy Governor attended the gathering alongside Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, Assistant/Deputy Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, and Prince Lanre Sanusi, Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government.
Hamzat used the occasion to encourage the young participants to place character development at the centre of their ambitions.
He said young people should look beyond career goals and material achievements when planning their futures.
According to him, the question of who a person becomes is as important as the profession or position that person eventually attains.
The Deputy Governor stressed that good character can provide a strong foundation for achieving meaningful and lasting success.
He noted that talent and ambition are valuable, but they must be guided by discipline and responsible conduct.
Hamzat also highlighted the importance of making wise decisions during the formative years of young people.
He encouraged the youths to avoid behaviours that could negatively affect their health, education and future opportunities.
Particular attention was given to the dangers associated with drug abuse.
The Deputy Governor reminded the young participants that their bodies should be treated with care and respect.
He described the body as God’s temple and urged them to stay away from drugs and other harmful substances.
Hamzat said young people must understand that the choices they make today can influence their future.
He encouraged them to surround themselves with positive influences and seek guidance when faced with difficult decisions.
The Deputy Governor also spoke about the opportunities available in Lagos.
He noted that the state provides an environment where young people can pursue education, entrepreneurship, employment and other legitimate opportunities.
However, he stressed that opportunities alone are not enough to determine a person’s success.
According to Hamzat, character must be deliberately developed through the influence of family, education and faith.
He identified the family, school and church as important institutions in shaping the values and behaviour of young people.
The Deputy Governor said these institutions have significant roles to play in helping young people develop discipline, integrity and responsibility.
He encouraged parents and guardians to remain actively involved in the upbringing of their children.
Schools, he added, should continue to provide young people with both academic knowledge and values that can guide them in life.
Hamzat also recognised the role of religious institutions in providing moral guidance and encouraging young people to make responsible choices.
His message at the gathering centred on the importance of combining ambition with strong personal values.
He encouraged the youths to dream big while remaining conscious of the responsibilities that come with achieving their goals.
The Deputy Governor urged them not to measure success solely by wealth, fame or professional position.
Instead, he encouraged them to consider the impact their character and actions would have on their families and communities.
The programme provided an opportunity for young people to reflect on issues affecting their personal development and future aspirations.
Hamzat’s participation also highlighted the importance of engaging young people through platforms that promote positive values.
The Deputy Governor encouraged the participants to remain focused on their education and personal development.
He urged those facing challenges to seek help from trusted parents, teachers, religious leaders and other responsible adults.
The youths were also encouraged to make choices that would protect their health and preserve their future opportunities.
Hamzat’s warning against drug abuse formed an important part of his message to the young audience.
He stressed that harmful substances can affect a person’s physical wellbeing, decision-making ability and long-term prospects.
He therefore called for greater awareness and personal responsibility among young people.
The Deputy Governor further encouraged the youths to use their talents positively.
He said their skills and creativity could contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.
Young people, according to him, have an important role in shaping the future of society.
He urged them to prepare themselves through education, discipline, faith and responsible decision-making.
The presence of political and community leaders at the programme also demonstrated the importance of creating platforms for engagement with young people.
Hamzat encouraged the participants to take advantage of legitimate opportunities available to them.
He also reminded them that personal development is a continuous process.
The Deputy Governor’s message reinforced the need for young people to combine their aspirations with strong moral foundations.
He encouraged them to ask themselves important questions about the people they want to become.
According to him, becoming a responsible, disciplined and principled person should remain a major part of every young person’s ambition.
The event also provided an opportunity for the youths to receive encouragement about their potential and future contributions.
Hamzat urged them to remain hopeful, focused and committed to positive personal development.
He encouraged them to value their families, education and faith as important sources of guidance.
The Deputy Governor maintained that Lagos can provide opportunities, but character must be developed through the combined influence of family, school and religious institutions.
His message ultimately challenged young people to look beyond immediate achievements and build qualities that can sustain them throughout life.
The “Youth That Knows The Lord” programme therefore provided a platform for discussions around faith, character, responsible living and the future of young people.
Hamzat urged the participants to make choices that would position them for meaningful and productive lives.
He also encouraged them to become positive examples within their families, schools, churches and communities.
The Deputy Governor concluded by reminding the young people that their future depends not only on what they achieve but also on the values they uphold.
