By TINA TIMOTHY

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has honoured the invitation of an 11-year-old pupil as special guest to his primary school graduation in Lagos.

The former Anambra state governor, on his verified X handle @PeterObi on Thursday, May 16, 2024, said the boy (Tolu) had followed his journey since the 2023 elections and was inspired by the good things people said about him.

Obi wrote: "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."

According to Obi, Tolu asked him what he can do to be a good person and in response, he advised the young boy to, among other things, do the right thing and not follow the crowd to do wrong, adding that the best education and a strong moral compass will help him and other children to "rise above their challenges and shine as beacons of hope to shape a better tomorrow for their generation,"

Continuing, Obi wrote: "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," he added.

Update news