Speaking at the 2024 Lagos Boy Child Initiative Parenting Seminar, an event founded by the First Lady, Dr. Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the seminar’s purpose was to support parents and guardians in raising well-rounded boys who are equipped to thrive in today’s world.
The seminar, held on Thursday at Lagos House, Marina, brought together parents, guardians, religious and traditional leaders, as well as civil society stakeholders, to engage in thought-provoking discussions on “Modern Parenting Strategies for the Development of the Boy Child in Today’s World.”
Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the participants for their commitment to ensuring a brighter future for boys in Lagos State.
She noted that today’s boys are growing up in a rapidly changing world, which requires a new kind of strength—one founded on empathy, emotional intelligence, and mutual respect.
She urged parents to promote open communication within their homes, creating a safe environment where boys feel comfortable expressing their emotions and learning the values of self-awareness and compassion.
The First Lady also underscored the importance of providing boys with positive role models who exemplify respect, kindness, and integrity.
“These role models help our boys understand the various aspects of healthy masculinity,” she said.
Highlighting the need to nurture boys’ physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, Dr. Sanwo-Olu called on participants to help mould boys into men of integrity, resilience, and empathy.
She emphasised that true strength lies in connection and understanding, not dominance.
“Together, we can raise a generation of boys who will become pillars of a more compassionate society,” she affirmed.
In a goodwill message, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Social Development, praised the seminar’s goals, noting that many of today’s social issues stem from parenting deficiencies.
He expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s ongoing efforts to support the boy-child, adding that the seminar would help parents raise boys who are inspired to make a positive impact in their communities.
“When you change a boy, you build a strong nation,” he stated.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s Country Representative, also lauded the First Lady’s Boy Child Initiative, emphasising the importance of balanced support for both girls and boys in the pursuit of gender equality.
Represented by UNICEF Lagos Field Office Chief Celine Lafoucriere, Munduate reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to advocating for children’s rights, ensuring access to education, a supportive environment, healthcare, and other essentials to help children reach their full potential.
Lafoucriere stressed that all children must be supported in exercising their rights, urging stakeholders to redouble their efforts in supporting the boy-child.
The seminar featured a panel discussion with specialists in boy-child development, counsellors, and guidance experts, who examined the specific challenges boys face and identified practical solutions.
Participants were also encouraged to contribute their insights on how to raise boys in a balanced and progressive manner.
Attendees were treated to a trailer from the film Mokalik, directed by Kunle Afolayan, which provided a visual catalyst for discussions on modern parenting.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders (both Christian and Muslim), wives of military and paramilitary officers, members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), top government officials, political groups, NGOs, and civil society organisations were present at the seminar.