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L-R: ASN Fatola Latifat, Staff Officer, Treatment and Rehabilitation, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command; Amina Omoike, Head, Corporate Affairs, MediaCraft and Keynote Speaker; Mr. Joshua Ajaka, Guest Speaker and representative of Mamuda Beverages; Princess Adeola Shittu, Convener of the International Day of the Boy Child Conference and Founder, Young Child in School Initiative; Mrs. Bisola Somori, representing the Matron, Ojodu Abiodun Primary Health Centre; Comrade Jumoke Johnson, Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter; and ASN Olayemi Oluwafemi, NDLEA Lagos State Command, during the maiden edition of the International Day of the Boy Child Conference 2026, organised by the Young Child in School Initiative, a flagship programme of Event Diary Lifestyle, at Haina Event Hall, Ojodu, Lagos. |
For decades, conversations around child development have largely focused on the girl child. But education advocates, health professionals and child rights campaigners say it is time Nigeria gives equal attention to boys, warning that neglecting the boy child could have serious consequences for families, communities and the nation's future.
This formed the thrust of discussions at the maiden edition of the International Day of the Boy Child Conference 2026, organised by the Young Child in School Initiative (YCSI), a flagship programme of Event Diary Lifestyle, held at Haina Event Hall, Ojodu, Lagos.
The conference, themed "Empowering the Boy Child: Education, Discipline and Leadership for Sustainable Development," brought together students, teachers, parents, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers and child development advocates to discuss practical ways of raising responsible, disciplined and purpose-driven boys.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of the initiative, Princess Adeola Shittu, said the programme was created to provide intentional mentorship and guidance for boys at a time when many face increasing social pressures, abuse, substance misuse and a lack of positive role models.
She explained that although the International Day of the Boy Child is globally marked on May 16, the organisers deliberately scheduled the conference in June to coincide with activities celebrating fathers and father figures, while drawing greater attention to issues affecting boys.
"We believe every boy deserves access to quality education, proper guidance, discipline and positive mentorship. Today's boys are tomorrow's fathers, leaders and nation builders. Investing in them is investing in Nigeria's future," she said.
Delivering the keynote address, education advocate Amina Omoike urged the students to embrace integrity, discipline and education as essential tools for success.
She encouraged them to remain focused despite distractions and prepare themselves to become responsible leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
Also speaking, Head of Sales at Popcola, Joshua Ajaka, challenged the participants to reject negative peer influence and avoid violence, cultism and other forms of social misconduct.
According to him, true masculinity is reflected in responsibility, respect for others and purposeful living rather than aggression or unhealthy competition.
The PTA Chairman of Highscope College, Kagho Ogaga, also stressed that character remains the greatest asset any young person can possess.
He urged the students to cultivate honesty, self-discipline and accountability, noting that leadership begins with personal responsibility.
The conference also featured an awareness session by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who educated participants on the dangers of substance abuse and the long-term health, legal and social consequences of drug use.
Representatives of the Ojodu Abiodun Primary Health Centre equally enlightened the boys on personal hygiene, adolescent health, nutrition and healthy living, encouraging them to adopt habits that support both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, Jumoke Johnson, commended the organisers for creating a platform dedicated to the development of the boy child.
She urged the participants to remain focused on their education and avoid behaviours capable of destroying their future.
Students from Top Teez Academy, Highscope College, Real Prudent Height Academy, De Grand Scholars Academy and other invited schools participated in the conference through interactive sessions designed to promote leadership, teamwork and creativity.
One of the major attractions was an art competition where students expressed their vision for the future of the boy child through paintings centred on leadership, education and hope. Participants also competed in the initiative's signature Puzzle Challenge, which tested their critical thinking and teamwork skills.
The organisers expressed appreciation to supporting organisations, including the NDLEA, Ojodu Abiodun Primary Health Centre, ATnT360, Akin Ogunbiyi Foundation and other partners for contributing to the success of the programme.
As the conference ended, participants agreed that solving many of Nigeria's future social challenges begins with raising boys who are educated, disciplined, emotionally balanced and equipped with the leadership skills needed to build stronger families and communities.
SEO Title: Why Stakeholders Say Nigeria Must Invest More in the Boy Child