No fewer than 1,500 schoolboys from over 100 secondary schools in Enugu State participated in this year’s life-changing mentorship programme on mental health and wellbeing organized by a non-profit organization, Boys Champions, recently. The event, tagged Boys to Men Summit, focused on the theme “Boys’ Health and Wellbeing Matter.”
The summit was held at The Base Landmark, Enugu, to commemorate this year’s International Day of the Boy Child. It featured boys and young men between 18 and 30 years, with female students also in attendance.
Founder of Boys Champions, Noel Ifeanyi Alumona, said the programme became necessary to boost the mental health of young men and heal them of negative societal influences. He said the programme provided a platform for schoolboys to discuss pertinent issues surrounding their mental health, wellbeing and masculinity. Having an open conversation between genders, according to the organisers, would foster mutual respect and build a more empathetic, respectful and inclusive society.
The programme featured key speakers and guests, including: Noel Alumona, Maxwell Thurston, co-founder of Learning Without Limit, Dr. Alison Milofsky, MEDHRUS Medical Team, Havfy, Dr. Chino so Egemba, also known as Aproko Doctor, Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Remarkable Mary and Kelvin Onovo, alongside other industry leaders.
Addressing the participants, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Enih emphasised the importance of recognizing boys as a vulnerable group and encouraging them to express their struggles, instead of dwelling in silent rage.
She urged parents to pay close attention to their children and desist from negative comments that could hurt a child.
Mrs. Enih pleaded with parents to be less aggressive towards their boys and encourage them to share their silent pains and struggles for balanced mental development.
In his presentation, celebrity social media doctor, Dr. Egemba, highlighted the need for parents to acknowledge their limitations and seek improved parenting methods.
He noted that boys deserve affection, insisting that affection must not only be romantically inclined.
He kicked against the use of drugs by boys, stressing that drugs can never be a means of escape from the problems men face.
In her creative rendition on stage, award-winning writer and poet, Hafsat Abdullahi (Havfy), poetically emphasised the need for boys to speak up and be heard. Her poems highlighted the need to constantly reassure young men that their vulnerability could also become a source of strength, if properly harnessed.
The panel sessions had Noel, the founder of Boys Champions, Onovo and Egemba share their life stories, while encouraging positive masculinity.
The sessions also emphasized the need for older men to become positive role models to younger boys, as their experiences at a young age could shape the men they grow up to become.
The MEDHRUS Medical Team also utilised the opportunity to create awareness on the adverse effects of hypertension, its causes and mindful prevention practices. The team offered blood pressure checks and medical advice for the participants
The event equally featured a physical exercise session led by Maxwell Thurston and a mindful practice session with Alison Milofsky.
The CIC saxophone team spiced the event with great instrumental performances. Young talented footballers that make up the Boys Champions Football Club were presented with medals and cash prizes awarded to the champions.