By Cleopatra Eki
In a renewed call for focused male youth development, mental health awareness, and leadership grooming, experts and stakeholders have advocated for the prioritisation of the emotional, psychological, and moral well-being of the boy child in Nigeria.
This call was made during the annual boy-child awareness event organised by the Kiddies Mirror Helping Hand Initiative, held at the Bergson Education Centre in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
Human rights advocate, media personality, and filmmaker, Temple Lawrence, who delivered the keynote address, emphasised the urgent need to nurture emotional resilience, mental wellness, and leadership qualities in boys. “This initiative provides a mutual learning platform,” Lawrence said. “I learnt from the boys as much as they learnt from me.”
He stressed that tackling the challenges young boys face in today’s society is vital for creating a balanced and equitable future. “The boy-child initiative is about illuminating the path to equality and protection,” he added.
Echoing his sentiments, Hogan Efiok Eyo, CEO and Creative Director of Visualz Remark Production, stated that no society can truly be inclusive if the boy child continues to be neglected in national discourse and policymaking.
Eyo reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to creating safe spaces where boys are seen, heard, and equipped to thrive. He cautioned that the long-term risks of neglecting the boy child could be dire for future social stability.
Felicia Owolo, Programme Manager at Kiddies Mirror Helping Hand Initiative, earlier highlighted the foundation’s dedication to moral and character education. She explained that the initiative offers structured mentorship, summer programmes, vocational training, sports, and technical support for boys aged 13 to 17—particularly those from underserved communities.
Educator and researcher, Mrs. Rosberg Michael Esebuono, drew attention to the influence of male behaviour on wider society. “How boys and men behave makes an enormous difference to the lives of girls, women, and individuals of all gender identities,” she said.
Mrs. Esebuono urged that boys be raised to form respectful, healthy relationships, free from restrictive gender stereotypes. She called for collaboration between government agencies, schools, families, and religious institutions to promote inclusive and intentional parenting practices.
Award-winning on-air personality Ambassador James Expensive of Wazobia FM encouraged boys to prioritise self-development and cultivate leadership qualities. He referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that his early ability to foster strong political relationships laid the groundwork for his inclusive leadership style today.
Douglas Unah, a media personality from Wazobia FM Abuja, highlighted the importance of positive reinforcement in parenting. “When boys complete tasks, praise them—it builds their self-confidence,” he said.
Unah advised assigning age-appropriate responsibilities, handling their mistakes with grace, and teaching them emotion regulation and open communication. He also advocated for allowing boys independence in personal decisions such as grooming, food, and clothing—steps that help prepare them for future responsibilities.
In a show of gratitude, Son Michael, a student participant, expressed appreciation on behalf of the boys. “We thank the Kiddies Mirror Helping Hand Initiative for remembering us, guiding us, and showing us we matter. This has inspired us to become better, stronger, and more responsible in all we do,” he said.
The event concluded with a resounding call for inclusive, strategic interventions and a societal mindset shift towards nurturing boys into responsible, empathetic, and value-driven men.
