Sanwo-Olu, UNICEF, experts urge modern parenting for boy child development
Aiming to promote modern parenting strategies for the boy child, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, joined UNICEF Country Representative Cristian Munduate and various experts at the 2024 Lagos Boy Child Initiative Parenting Seminar.
The event focused on equipping parents and guardians with tools to raise emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and resilient boys who can thrive in today’s complex world.
Held on Thursday at the Lagos House in Marina, the seminar brought together an array of stakeholders, including parents, guardians, religious and traditional leaders, and civil society representatives.
The theme, “Modern Parenting Strategies for the Development of the Boy Child in Today’s World,” spurred discussions on raising boys capable of empathy and self-awareness.
In her address, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the unique challenges boys face in modern society, noting that true strength for today’s generation must be grounded in compassion and respect. She urged parents to nurture open communication within their families, fostering environments where boys feel safe to express themselves.
“Boys should see positive role models who embody respect, kindness, and integrity,” she said, adding that these role models guide them in understanding healthy masculinity.
The First Lady also highlighted the need to support boys’ holistic well-being—physically, mentally, and socially. “Together, we can raise a generation of boys who will grow into pillars of a more compassionate society,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu stated, underlining the impact of empathy and integrity over dominance.
Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Social Development, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, commended the initiative, acknowledging that deficiencies in parenting often lead to many social challenges.
He praised the First Lady’s efforts, expressing hope that the seminar would inspire parents to raise boys who aspire to positively impact their communities. “When you change a boy, you build a strong nation,” Orekoya remarked.
Representing UNICEF at the event, Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office Celine Lafoucriere delivered remarks on behalf of Cristian Munduate, emphasizing the importance of balancing support for boys and girls in advancing gender equality. Lafoucriere reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to children’s rights, urging a supportive environment for all children to express their potential.
The seminar featured a panel discussion with specialists in boy child development, where counselors and experts addressed issues specific to boys, exploring practical solutions for parents. Participants also viewed a clip from the film Mokalik by Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, offering a cinematic perspective on the challenges of modern parenting.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, military officers’ spouses, members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), and other stakeholders attended the seminar, reflecting a broad coalition of support for the initiative.
