The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, along with the UNICEF Country Representative, Cristian Mundiate, and other experts on boy child development, have emphasized 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, established by the First Lady, Dr. Sanwo-Olu explained that the seminar was designed to support parents and guardians in their efforts to raise well-rounded boys prepared for today’s world.
The event, which took place on Thursday at Lagos House, Marina, attracted parents, guardians, religious and traditional leaders, as well as civil society Organisations, other 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 who commended the participants for their commitment to a brighter future for boys in Lagos State, 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.
While nderscoring 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.
In his goodwill message at the event, the Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Social Development, Honourable Abiodun Orekoya, praised the seminar's purpose, stating that many social issues today stem from deficiencies in parenting.
He commended the First Lady’s commitment towards supporting the Boy Child, voicing hope that the seminar would educate parents to raise boys who aspire to positively impact their communities.
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, Munduate 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.
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.
The discussion welcomed input from all participants on ways to achieve a balanced approach to raising boys and the 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 event was attended by Traditional rulers, religious leaders, wives of military and Para-military officers, members of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, top government officials, political groups, Non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, among others.
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