Stakeholders in youth development, education and mentorship have called for more intentional investment in boys as part of efforts to strengthen families and society.
The call was made at the second edition of the International Boys Day Conference held at the State Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event, according to a statement made available to Saturday PUNCH on Friday, was organised by Boys Aid Network in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
The conference brought together hundreds of secondary school boys from across Oyo State for discussions centred on leadership, discipline, identity, relationships, emotional well-being and positive masculinity.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of Boys Aid Network, Olufunke Oyinlola, said boys often carry internal struggles and pressures that society rarely gives them the opportunity to express.
According to her, creating safe spaces for honest conversations with boys is necessary to help them make responsible decisions and prepare for the future.
The keynote speaker, Jesudamilare Adesegun-David, urged the boys to remain focused despite distractions and social pressures.
Panelists, including Samson Folarin, Seye Joseph, Dotun Akinsanmi and Folakemi Arowolo, also engaged the students in an interactive session driven largely by questions from the boys themselves.
The conference also featured a spelling bee competition sponsored by Dr Akintunde Johnson Bada.
The event was held in partnership with The Anchor by Sterling Bank, Reechowt and The Rescued Generation, organisations committed to mentoring and supporting boys and young men.
