By JKNewsMedia
THE FUTURE of Nigeria depends on the values, opportunities and leadership skills instilled in today’s boys, stakeholders declared at the maiden International Day of the Boy Child Conference (IDBCC) 2026 held on June 26 at Haina Event Hall, Ojodu, Lagos.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that organised by the Young Child in School Initiative (YCSI), a flagship programme of Event Diary Lifestyle (ELD), the conference brought together pupils, parents, teachers, health professionals and child development advocates under the theme, “Empowering the Boy Child: Education, Discipline and Leadership for Sustainable Development.”
The programme focused on equipping boys with knowledge, values and mentorship to become responsible men, ethical leaders and productive citizens.
Convener, Princess Adeola Shittu, said the initiative was established to provide a platform where boys are intentionally nurtured through education, discipline, mentorship and positive values.
She explained that although the International Day of the Boy Child (IDCH) is observed globally on May 16, the organisers chose to mark it in June to align with activities celebrating fathers and father figures while drawing attention to issues affecting boys, including child abuse, child labour and mental health.
Keynote speaker Amina Omoike urged participants to embrace education, discipline, integrity and leadership as the foundation for responsible manhood.
She encouraged the boys to build character, remain focused on their goals and prepare to become dependable leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
Speaking on positive masculinity and behavioural transformation, Mr. Joshua Ajaka, Head of Sales Manager at Popcola, encouraged the boys to reject negative peer influence, avoid violence and social misconduct, develop strong character and discover their purpose as future leaders.
The PTA Chairman of Highscope College, Kagho Ogaga, who also spoke on character, discipline and leadership, reminded the boys that true success is built on integrity, responsibility, respect and self-discipline.
He urged them to cultivate positive values that would distinguish them as responsible citizens and nation builders.
Representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), ASN Fatola Latifat, Staff Officer, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Lagos State Command, alongside ASN Olayemi Oluwafemi, educated participants on drug abuse prevention and its consequences among young people.
The session highlighted the dangers of substance abuse, its health and legal consequences and the importance of resisting peer pressure and making healthy, responsible choices.
Representing the Ojodu Abiodun Primary Health Centre, Mrs. Somori Bisola spoke on personal hygiene, healthy living and adolescent health.
She encouraged participants to maintain good hygiene, eat balanced diets, exercise regularly and adopt healthy habits that support physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos State, Jumoke Johnson, commended Princess Adeola Shittu and the Young Child in School Initiative for championing the cause of the boy child. She urged participants to maintain good behaviour, avoid negative peer influence and remain focused on becoming responsible leaders.
The conference attracted pupils from Top Teez Academy, Highscope College, Real Prudent Height Academy, De Grand Scholars Academy and other invited schools alongside parents, teachers and education stakeholders who participated in the activities and discussions.
An art and painting competition gave pupils the opportunity to express their vision for the future of the boy child through artworks centred on leadership, education, hope and positive values.
Organisers also staged their Puzzle Challenge, an educational game that tested critical thinking, teamwork and problem solving skills before winners emerged.
Anchoring the programme throughout the event was Rikefe Onofe anchored as the organisers thanked their partners, including the NDLEA, Ojodu Abiodun, Primary Health Centre (PHC), ATnT360, Akin Ogunbiyi Foundation and other organisations and volunteers for supporting the maiden edition.
In closing, stakeholders agreed that raising responsible men begins with investing in boys through quality education, mentorship, discipline and purposeful leadership.
They also pledged continued collaboration to ensure every boy has the opportunity to grow into a confident, compassionate and impactful member of society.
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