The Twenty-One Five Child Foundation (TIFF) has called for efforts to end silence among boys and promote responsible, respectful, and emotionally intelligent young males.
The foundation made this appeal at a programme marking the International Day of the Boy Child 2026 in Ibadan on Friday.
The event, which brought together students, panelists, and mentors, was themed “Redefining Masculinity: Raising Responsible, Respectful, and Emotionally Aware Boys.”
Keynote Speaker Mr. Kayode Adamolekun urged boys to be confident and outspoken rather than remain silent as strong ones.
Warning participants against social media comparisons, Adamolekun said they were fortunate to attend such a forum, which he did not experience in his first 30 years.
“Social media is not real; never compare your life to what you see there if you want to achieve your vision,” he said.
He advised boys to follow paths of discipline, respect, and emotional intelligence, emphasizing that success without character is useless.
He encouraged boys to believe in their future regardless of their background.
“The world today doesn’t need more powerful men; it needs good men who lead without oppressing others,” he added.
TIFF Founder Amb. Tolu Taiwo shared her story to motivate boys to speak up and avoid dying in silence.
“The International Day of the Girl Child opened our eyes to many issues faced by girls dying in silence. I was once in their situation decades ago, but I received help from unexpected people.
“If what happened to me then hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t be here today.
“As young boys, express your feelings, amplify your voices, and speak up.
“We need to change the narrative that boys must always be strong and not cry.
“If you need to cry, do so. Speak up and don’t die in silence,” she said.
Taiwo urged boys and students to feel free to ask questions, especially about issues that bother them, promising their concerns would be addressed.
TIFF Project Lead Mr. Promise Ihezie explained that the event, originally scheduled for Saturday (May 16) to mark the International Day of the Boy Child, was moved to Friday to accommodate schoolchildren.
He added that students submitted anonymous questions, which were answered live by doctors, entrepreneurs, and politicians.
“We decided to hear from them first and then respond,” he said.
Ihezie expressed concern about the declining school enrollment among boys, noting many now opt to ‘hustle’ due to pressure to provide and hide their pain.
“There is no strength in hiding pain. If you feel like crying, cry. If you need help, seek help,” he said.
Panelist Mr. Rotimi Alariwo urged boys to communicate with their fathers and not wait until they need money.
He also urged mothers to foster love between children and their fathers, just as children love their mothers.
Another panelist, Dr. Adewale Ayodele, advised boys to stay focused, avoid distractions, and choose friends wisely.
Hon. Olakunle Akinsete encouraged boys not to see politics as a “dirty game,” emphasizing that tomorrow’s leaders could come from among them.
“It all depends on how politics is played. Your character reflects in your personality; if you are a good person, you will be a good politician—and vice versa,” he said.
