The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the UNICEF Country Representative, Cristian Mundiate, and other experts on boy child development, have emphasised the critical role of modern parenting strategies in raising emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and resilient boys.
Speaking at the 2024 Lagos Boy Child Initiative Parenting Seminar, an event established by the First Lady, Dr. Sanwo-Olu explained that the seminar was designed to support parents and guardians in raising well-rounded boys prepared for today’s world.
The event, held on Thursday at Lagos House, Marina, gathered 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 a brighter future for boys in Lagos State. She noted that today’s boys are growing up in a world that calls for a new kind of strength – one rooted in empathy, emotional intelligence, and respect for others.
She encouraged parents to foster open communication within their homes, creating an environment where boys feel safe to express their emotions and learn the values of self-awareness and compassion.
The First Lady emphasised the importance of providing boys with positive role models who demonstrate respect, kindness, and integrity. “These role models help our boys see the many facets of healthy masculinity”, she said.
Underscoring the need to support boys’ physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Dr. Sanwo-Olu urged participants to help shape boys into men of integrity, resilience, and empathy, highlighting that true strength lies in understanding and connection rather than dominance.
“Together, we can raise a generation of boys who will grow into pillars of a more compassionate society”, she said.
Delivering a goodwill message at the event, the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Social Development, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, praised the seminar’s purpose, stating that many social issues today stem from deficiencies in parenting.
He expressed appreciation for the First Lady’s commitment to supporting the Boy Child, voicing hope that the seminar would educate parents to raise boys who aspire to positively impact their communities. “If you educate a boy, you educate a man”, he stated.
UNICEF’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, also lauded the First Lady’s Boy Child Initiative, noting the importance of balancing support for both girls and boys in the context of gender equality.
Represented by UNICEF Lagos Field Office Chief, Celine Lafoucriere highlighted the Fund’s commitment to advocating for children’s rights, ensuring they have access to education, a supportive environment, healthcare, and other essentials to fulfill their potential.
Lafoucriere emphasised that all children must be supported in expressing their rights and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to support the Boy Child.
The seminar featured a panel discussion with specialists in boy child development, counsellors, and guidance experts who examined issues specific to boys and identified practical solutions.
The discussion welcomed input from all participants on ways to achieve a balanced approach to raising boys. Attendees also viewed a trailer from the film Mokalik by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, which provided a visual entry point for discussions on modern parenting.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders (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, non-governmental organisations, civil societies among other relevant stakeholders were present at the parenting seminar.
