The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, along with UNICEF Country Representative Cristian Munduate and other experts on boy child development, emphasized the critical role of modern parenting strategies in raising emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and resilient boys.
Speaking on Thursday at the 2024 Lagos Boy Child Initiative Parenting Seminar at Lagos House, Marina, Dr. Sanwo-Olu encouraged parents to foster open communication within their homes, creating an environment where boys feel safe to express their emotions and learn values of self-awareness and compassion.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu explained that the event, organized by her office and attended by parents, guardians, religious and traditional leaders, as well as civil society stakeholders, was designed to support parents and guardians in their efforts to raise well-rounded boys prepared for today’s world.
According to her, the seminar was created to engage in thought-provoking discussions on modern parenting strategies for boy child development, and she emphasized the importance of providing boys with positive role models who demonstrate respect, kindness, and integrity.
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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.
“These role models help our boys see the many facets of healthy masculinity. Together, we can raise a generation of boys who will grow into pillars of a more compassionate society,” she said.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the participants for their commitment to a brighter future for boys in Lagos State, noting that today’s boys are growing up in a world that calls for a new kind of strength rooted in empathy, emotional intelligence, and respect for others.
Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Social Development, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, praised the seminar’s purpose in his goodwill message, stating that many social issues today stem from deficiencies in parenting.
The lawmaker expressed appreciation for Dr. Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to supporting the boy child, expressing hope that the seminar would educate parents to raise boys who aspire to positively impact their communities. “When you change a boy, you build a strong nation,” he affirmed.
UNICEF 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.
Munduate, represented by UNICEF Lagos Field Office Chief Celine Lafoucriere, highlighted UNICEF’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. She emphasized that all children must be supported in expressing their rights, urging stakeholders to intensify efforts to support the boy child.
The seminar featured a panel discussion with specialists in boy child development, counselors, and guidance experts who examined issues specific to boys and identified practical solutions.
Attendees also viewed a trailer from the film Mokalik by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, which provided a visual entry point for discussions on modern parenting.
The discussion welcomed input from all participants on ways to achieve a balanced approach to raising boys.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, wives of military and paramilitary officers, members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), top government officials, political groups, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and civil societies were present at the parenting seminar.
