By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos – The Commissioner for Administration, Lagos State Scout Council, Mr Afolabi Pamer, has called on parents to identify with the Scout Association of Nigeria as a training ground by encouraging their wards to be involved.
Pamer made the call during the investiture of 31 pupils into the association on Saturday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pupils, who registered under Troop 12, Agbado Oke-Odo LGA of Lagos State, are from St Gladys and Grimes Educational Services.
Pamer described scout as an internationally recognised game, training and opportunity that would positively engage children and the youth.
He urged parents to encourage their children to belong to associations that would promote discipline and discourage bad peer influence.
“Parents should identify through support and encouragement because it will expose the children meaningfully and help them to socialise with their peers outside their communities,’’ he said.
He called on the school to ensure active participation of the new members in the programmes of the association.
“We have lots of programmes for them, including training camps that will help them to enjoy the benefits of this great association,’’ Pamer said.
Mrs Gladys Grimes, the Proprietress of the school, charged the pupils to be good ambassadors of the schools and Nigeria.
Grimes said scout was part of activities that would expose children to the larger society, adding that it would enable them to be disciplined and see themselves as future leaders.
“I congratulate you all for this milestone, which will help you in life.
“You must see yourself as future leaders and must be disciplined and of good behaviour anywhere.
“We are using the Boys’ Scout, Girls Guide and Red Cross societies to empower these children because they are the leaders of tomorrow,’’ she said.