By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
The Twenty-One Five Child Foundation (TIFF) has called for actions to end silence among boys and raise responsible, respectful, and emotionally intelligent boys.
The foundation made the call at a programme to mark the International Day of the Boy Child 2026 in Ibadan on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, which brought together students, panellists and mentors, is themed “Redefining Masculinity: Raising Responsible, Respectful and Emotionally Aware Boys”.
The Keynote Speaker, Mr Kayode Adamolekun, urged boys to be always confident and outspoken rather than die in silence as strong ones.
Warning the young participants against social media comparison, Adamolekun said they were fortunate to have attended such a forum, which he never personally experienced in the first 30 years of his life.
“Social media is not real, so never compare your life with what you see there if you want to achieve your vision,” he said.
He advised boys to walk the pathways of discipline, respect, and emotional intelligence, noting that success without character is useless.
He advised boys never to stop believing in their future despite their background.
“The world, today, doesn’t need more powerful men; it needs good men who lead without oppressing others,” he added.
Meanwhile, the TIFF Founder, Amb. Tolu Taiwo shared a bit of her story to encourage boys to speak up to avoid dying in silence.
“The International Day of the Girl Child opened our eyes to so many things happening to girls while they die in silence.
“I was once like them in that situation decades ago, but I got help from people I least expected.
“If what happened to me then didn’t happen, Amb. Tolu will not be here today.
“As young boys, express your feelings, amplify your voices and speak up.
“We need to change the narrative that says boys are always strong; they don’t need to cry.
“If you need to cry, cry. Speak up and don’t die in silence,” she said.
Taiwo urged the boys and students to feel free to ask any questions, especially on issues bothering them, promising they would be duly attended to.
The TIFF Project Lead, Mr Promise Ihezie, said the event, meant to be held on Saturday (May 16), being the International Day of the Boy Child, was moved to Friday to accommodate schoolchildren.
Ihezie said the students submitted anonymous questions, which were answered live by doctors, entrepreneurs, and politicians.
He stressed that while much attention has gone to the girl child, boys also require equal opportunity and support.
"All children, both boys and girls should be given equal opportunity to excel in life. We don't have to focus only on the girls but also on the boys.
"Today's own is not about delivering speeches but more of interaction; we decided to hear from them first and then respond,” he said.
The project lead raised concerns about the dropping school enrollment rate among boys, saying many now choose to ‘hustle’ due to pressure to provide.
He added that the pressure to make money and provide for the family is overwhelming for many young boys.
“There is no strength in hiding pain. If you feel like crying, cry. If you need help, look for help even as a boy and as a man.
"We encourage the boy child to take it step by step, even when they fall, it's not the end of life. Let them understand their vulnerability and appreciate their strength,” Ihezie said.
One of the Panellists, Mr Rotimi Alariwo, urged boys to always communicate with their fathers, and not wait until they need money.
Alariwo urged mothers to work on making the children love their fathers the same way the children express love to them as mothers.
Another panellist, Dr Adewale Ayodele, advised boys to stay focused, avoid distractions and be careful in choosing the type of friends they keep.
Also, Hon. Olakunle Akinsete enjoined every boy out there never to develop a mindset that sees politics as a dirty game.
He emphasised there could be great leaders of tomorrow among the young boys.
“It all depends on how politics is being played.
“It’s who you are that will always reflect in your personality; if you are a good person, you will also be a good politician and vice versa,” he said.
NAN
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