Students from various schools across Lagos State converged on the State House, Marina, for a high-impact engagement session themed “Give to Gain,” hosted by the Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in collaboration with the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).
The event, which focused on growth, purpose, and value creation, brought students into direct conversation with women leaders and professionals, creating an atmosphere that went beyond formal speeches into active engagement and personal reflection.
Driving the session was the moderator, Mojisola Agbaje, whose engaging coordination ensured that students were not just listening, but actively participating. Through her structured interaction, students were encouraged to speak, ask questions, and express their ambitions, making the programme both dynamic and inclusive.
In her keynote address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of contribution as a pathway to growth, urging students to begin early in shaping meaningful futures.
“When you give your knowledge, your time, and your effort, you create value. And that value will always come back to you in growth,” she said.
She further encouraged the students to remain focused, disciplined, and intentional, noting that success is built through consistency and a willingness to learn.
The session also featured insightful contributions from guest speakers across different fields. A session on financial awareness emphasized the importance of early planning and responsibility, with speakers encouraging students to develop a habit of saving and making informed financial decisions.
Another speaker, addressing entrepreneurship, highlighted the need for students to look beyond conventional career paths.
“Opportunities exist around you. What matters is your ability to identify them and stay consistent enough to build something meaningful,” the speaker noted.
On career development, students were advised to take ownership of their journey, develop relevant skills, and remain committed to continuous improvement.
“Where you start does not define where you will end. What matters is your willingness to grow,” a speaker added.
However, one of the most defining moments of the event came when students were invited to share their personal ambitions – a segment that revealed a strong shift toward purpose-driven thinking.
One student confidently stated her aspiration to become a doctor who specialises in treating brain-related conditions, expressing a desire to heal tumors in the brain and save lives.
Another student shared her goal of becoming an international businesswoman, with a vision to build enterprises that would create opportunities on a global scale.
Similarly, a student spoke about pursuing a career in trading, demonstrating interest in building a sustainable business and becoming financially independent.
Across these responses, a common theme emerged – these students were not simply thinking about getting jobs, but about creating impact, solving problems, and building something meaningful in society.
The presence of members of COWLSO, including wives of top government officials, further reinforced the importance of mentorship and support systems in shaping the next generation.
As the event progressed, it became clear that the “Give to Gain” message was not just a theme, but a principle reflected in both the conversations and the aspirations of the students.
The engagement between speakers and students created a bridge between experience and ambition, giving the young attendees a clearer sense of direction and possibility.
By the close of the session, the impact was evident – students left not just inspired, but challenged to think beyond limitations, take responsibility for their future, and begin to build lives defined by purpose and contribution.
