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By Oluseye Ojo
The need to raise emotionally aware, responsible and respectful boys took centre stage in Ibadan on Friday as the Twenty-One Five Child Foundation (TIFF) marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child (IDBC) with a strong call on young males to reject societal pressure, speak up about their struggles and embrace positive values.
The event, held in Ibadan ahead of the global commemoration slated for May 16, brought together students, professionals, entrepreneurs, medical experts and mentors for frank conversations on masculinity, mental health, addiction, relationships and personal development.
Speaking at the programme, the Founder and Executive Director of TIFF, Ambassador Tolu Taiwo, said many boys silently battle emotional and psychological pressures because society wrongly conditions them to ‘man up’ and suppress their feelings.
According to her, the foundation deliberately created a safe and non-judgmental platform where boys could freely express themselves and seek guidance on issues affecting their lives.
“Young boys should feel less pressured. We want them to amplify their voices and speak up. Boys have emotions, too. Society keeps telling them, ‘Boys do not cry,’ and that they must always be strong. But boys also need support and understanding,” she said.
Taiwo stated that some anonymous questions submitted by participants during the interactive session moved panellists to tears, revealing the depth of struggles many young people face.
“A lot is going on in their lives, and we are not here to judge them. We want them to ask questions about anything, ranging from career, politics, entrepreneurship, sex, masculinity, hygiene, relationships to mental health,” she added.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme, “Redefining Masculinity: Raising Responsible, Respectful and Emotionally Aware Boys,” an entrepreneur and public affairs figure, Kayode Adamolekun, warned that unhealthy social media influences and distorted definitions of manhood were damaging young people.
“True masculinity is not about intimidation or acting tough. It is rooted in responsibility, discipline, consistency and respect for others,” he said.
Earlier, TIFF Project Lead, Mr. Promise Ihezie said the initiative aimed to balance conversations around gender equity and ensure boys also receive emotional and developmental support.
Also, other panellists, including Rotimi Alariwo Martins, Olakunle Akinsete and Dr. Ayodele Adewale, stressed the importance of self-awareness, responsibility and emotional intelligence in raising well-rounded young men.
