At a time when conversations about youth development are becoming increasingly urgent, Boys Aid Network is choosing to confront a question many institutions have quietly ignored: who is intentionally preparing the next generation of boys for the realities of leadership, responsibility, and manhood?
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the organisation will convene educators, mentors, advocates, parents, and students at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, for the 2026 International Boy’s Day Conference, a gathering designed not simply as another youth event, but as a bold intervention into the future of society itself.
Themed “Flourish and Thrive: Investing in Boys for Stronger Families and Communities,” the conference carries a message both urgent and deeply reflective. Behind the colourful branding and youthful energy lies a serious concern about the emotional, educational, and social realities confronting boys in today’s world.
Across many communities, boys are growing up in environments where mentorship is fading, emotional guidance is scarce, and positive role models are increasingly absent. The consequences are visible in rising social disconnection, identity struggles, poor decision-making, and weakened community values. For Boys Aid Network, the solution begins with conversation, exposure, and intentional investment.
Convener, Barrister Olufunke Oyinlola, described the initiative as a deliberate effort to create safe and transformational spaces for boys to learn, reflect, and engage meaningful conversations about their future.
According to her, “Too many boys are growing up without guidance, without safe spaces to express themselves, and without people intentionally helping them navigate the realities of life. This conference is our response to that challenge. We want boys to know that they are seen, valued, and capable of becoming responsible men who positively influence their families and communities.”
She added that the conference is ultimately about helping boys see possibility differently and exposing them to conversations that can shape their confidence, choices, and sense of purpose.
More than 300 secondary school boys from across Oyo State are expected to participate in the event, which is organised in partnership with the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The programme will combine keynote sessions, mentorship conversations, interactive learning, and a spelling bee competition aimed at boosting confidence and intellectual engagement.
The conference lineup reflects a deliberate mix of leadership, media, education, and advocacy voices. Speakers expected at the event include, Jesudamilare Adesegun-David, Co-founder of Enovate Lab; Samson Folarin, Editor of Punch Newspaper Weekend Titles; Oluseye Joseph, Founder of EnterpriseCEO; Barrister Dotun Akinsanmi, Managing Partner at Dotun Akinsanmi LP; and media personality, Folakemi Arowolo, popularly known as Folakemi Mighty.
The maiden edition in 2025 reportedly left a lasting impression on participants and stakeholders, many of whom described the initiative as timely and deeply needed. This year’s edition expands on that foundation with stronger partnerships and broader community participation.
Yet beyond the panels and speeches, the conference represents something larger: a growing movement to rebuild the culture of mentorship and responsibility around boys before society begins to pay the price of neglect.
In Ibadan, the focus will not merely be on raising successful boys, but on shaping grounded, thoughtful, and responsible men capable of strengthening families, communities, and the nation itself.
