By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
The Twenty-One Five Child Foundation has urged boys to speak up about their emotional struggles and reject the culture of suffering in silence.
The call was made on Friday during an event organised in Ibadan to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child.
The programme, themed “Redefining Masculinity: Raising Responsible, Respectful and Emotionally Aware Boys,” brought together students, mentors, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the boy child.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Kayode Adamolekun encouraged boys to remain confident and expressive rather than suppress their emotions in the name of appearing strong.
He warned participants against comparing themselves with lifestyles portrayed on social media, describing many online realities as misleading.
“Social media is not real, so never compare your life with what you see there if you want to achieve your vision,” he said.
Adamolekun also urged the boys to embrace discipline, respect, and emotional intelligence, stressing that character remains essential to success.
“The world today does not need more powerful men; it needs good men who lead without oppressing others,” he added.
Founder of TIFF, Amb. Tolu Taiwo, also shared her personal experience, urging boys to express themselves and seek support when facing emotional challenges.
According to her, society must stop promoting the belief that boys should always appear emotionally strong.
“We need to change the narrative that says boys are always strong and do not need to cry. If you need to cry, cry. Speak up and don’t die in silence,” she said.
Taiwo encouraged the students to freely ask questions about issues affecting them, assuring them that their concerns would be properly addressed.
Speaking at the event, TIFF Project Lead, Mr Promise Ihezie, explained that the programme was shifted from Saturday to Friday to enable schoolchildren participate.
Ihezie said students submitted anonymous questions during the session, which were answered by experts including doctors, politicians, and entrepreneurs.
He stressed the need to pay equal attention to the welfare and development of boys, noting that societal pressure on young males was increasing.
According to him, many boys now abandon school in search of financial survival due to mounting economic expectations.
“There is no strength in hiding pain. If you feel like crying, cry. If you need help, seek help even as a boy and as a man,” he said.
One of the panellists, Mr Rotimi Alariwo, advised boys to maintain healthy communication with their fathers beyond financial matters.
He also urged mothers to encourage stronger relationships between fathers and their children.
Another panellist, Dr Adewale Ayodele, advised participants to remain focused, avoid distractions, and choose their friends carefully.
Also speaking, Hon. Olakunle Akinsete cautioned boys against viewing politics as a dirty profession, noting that responsible leadership begins with good character.
According to him, the future leaders of the country could emerge from among the young boys if properly guided and mentored.
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