The Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has advised children in Nigeria to stay away from violence, drug abuse and other vices that can destroy them.

Fashola spoke in Lagos on Wednesday during an event to mark the 2015 Children’s Day Celebration in the state.

He said it was important for Nigerian children to desist from drug abuse, bad friends and other crimes that could affect nation building.

He said, “I urge you to stay away from vices that can destroy your future. I want you to stay away from drug abuse, ignore bad friends who may want to introduce you to cultism and stay away from violence.

“Rather, you can join social and voluntary clubs like Boys Brigade, Girls Guide and Sheriff Guard, among others. They have been created to mould your future.”

Fashola, who observed that the children did not vote during the election that brought him to power, said he was impressed with them because they urged their parents to vote for right candidates.

Fashola said, “Please don’t to forget the things that you have learnt through programmes initiated by this administration, such as the road safety rules and signs, traffic rules, the climate change rule, hand washing techniques, which helped the state to combat the Ebola Virus.

“I want you to continue with the good habits in order to make Lagos State a better place for all.”

The governor urged the children to stand by the incoming governor of the state to enable him deliver good governance, as well as provide qualitative education to them.

Fashola listed some of the achievements of his government to include the provision of child and maternal centres, new primary and secondary schools and the provision of solar power system in 172 schools, among others.

Earlier, Miss Diugwu Chinaza, a student of Agidingbi Senior High School, had appealed to the government to draw awareness to the plights of children around the world that were victims of violence.

According to her, since the proclamation by the World Conference for the well-being of children in 1925, the Children’s Day had been celebrated annually in order to celebrate and display affection and concern for children.

“I wish to say that the new government can demonstrate its affection and concern for us if our colleagues from Chibok that are still missing are rescued and reunited with their families, ” she said.