Empowering Boys for a Brighter Future
The Centre for Applied Ethics and Political Communication in Africa (CAEPOCOM Africa) has called on parents, schools, and society to properly train and empower boys so that they can grow into confident, productive men. This message was delivered during the 2025 edition of the Ibadan Boys’ Summit, an event titled The Bodacious Boy 4.0. The summit is part of CAEPOCOM Africa’s Reclaiming Masculinities for Sustainable Co-existence (REMASCO) programme, which aims to address the challenges faced by boys in modern society.
A Platform for Growth and Development
The event brought together boys from Ibadan, aged between 10 and 18, who participated in various activities designed to foster their growth. The Executive Director of CAEPOCOM Africa, Dr Sharon Omotoso, emphasized that REMASCO is a platform to help boys catch up after years of being left behind. She highlighted that while men are visible in public spaces, boys are not adequately prepared to take up these roles or share them with their female counterparts.
Dr Omotoso pointed out that many boys lack confidence in their ability to support a future wife or compete with their female peers. She attributed this to a system where girls are becoming more empowered and vocal, leaving boys feeling inadequate. Her vision is one of equity, where boys and girls can coexist without imbalance. She stressed the importance of empowering boys equally to build their self-worth and confidence.
Encouragement and Guidance from Leaders
During the event, Ms Oyebanke Kayode, who delivered the welcome address, urged boys to believe in themselves regardless of their backgrounds. She encouraged them to be cautious, confident, and authentic, emphasizing that manhood is defined by respect, integrity, and courage rather than wealth or physical strength.
Media professional and Founder of Shoggz PR, Mr Olusoga Olugbenga Tosh, shared his childhood experiences and advised the boys to focus on making today count for a better tomorrow. He emphasized the importance of mentorship, urging the boys to acknowledge and celebrate those who guide them. His message was clear: what people say about you doesn’t matter as much as what God says about you.
Insights from Panel Discussions
A panel session featured Pastor Olulakin Alabi, Mr Samuel Adebiyi, and Henry Fajemirokun, moderated by Dr Samuel Adejube. The panellists discussed the unique journey of raising a boy-child, highlighting the need for knowledge about the peculiarities and expectations of boys at different stages of their upbringing.
They introduced the acronym BOY as a summary of what it means to be a boy today: B for boldness and brilliance, O for obedience and observation, and Y for yawning and yielding. The panel encouraged boys not to let their background limit their potential and to remain determined in their pursuits. They reminded the participants that persistence leads to success and that their stories can inspire others.
Engaging Activities and Learning Opportunities
The event included various interactive sessions such as tests, icebreaker games, and group discussions. During the group discussion, participants had the opportunity to meet and be inspired by undergraduate and graduate male volunteers in fields like technology, science, and the humanities.
Additional highlights of the summit included activities focused on leadership and media and information literacy. These sessions aimed to equip the boys with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the modern world effectively.
Conclusion
The Ibadan Boys’ Summit serves as a vital initiative to address the challenges faced by boys in contemporary society. Through education, mentorship, and community engagement, the event aims to empower boys to become confident, capable individuals who can contribute positively to their communities. By fostering a sense of purpose and self-worth, the summit lays the foundation for a more balanced and equitable future for all.