Sanwo-Olu’s wife, UNICEF harp on boy child well-being

The Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the Country Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund, Cristian Munduate, on Thursday, stressed the need to create an environment that nurtures and harnesses the exceptional potential of children for national development.

The duo spoke at the Lagos Boys Child Initiative Parenting Seminar 2024 with the theme: “Modern parenting strategies towards the development of the boy child in today’s world,” organised by the governor’s wife and held at the State House, Marina, Lagos.

In her speech, Dr Sanwo-Olu said it was important for parents to surround their boys with positive role models — whether from family or the broader community to become responsible adults.

According to her, parents must do this because these role models would help show the boys the many facets of healthy masculinity, including respect, kindness, and integrity.

The governor’s wife said, “In a rapidly evolving world, where traditional roles and stereotypes are being redefined, the chosen theme for this seminar, ‘Modern Parenting Strategies Towards the Development of the Boy Child in Today’s World,’ could not be more timely.

“The journey of parenting, as we know, is filled with both challenges and rewards. As society continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to raising boys.

“Today, more than ever, boys are growing up in a world that demands a new kind of strength — one that values empathy, emotional intelligence, and respect for others.

“These qualities are essential for the balanced development of our sons and, by extension, for building communities rooted in peace and understanding.

“While traditional expectations of strength and independence have value, they can sometimes limit the full expression of who our boys are meant to be.”

She noted that as parents, one of the most powerful things to do was to create a culture of open communication within the homes.

She added that when boys are encouraged to share their thoughts and express their emotions, it shows that their voices matter and their feelings are valued.

“This kind of openness is key to their emotional development, helping them understand that it is not a weakness to feel, to cry, or to seek support when they need it. Rather, it is a sign of strength and a vital skill for developing self-awareness, compassion, and respect for others.

“As parents, we must also prioritise the holistic well-being of our sons. Raising boys today requires attention to their physical, mental, emotional, and social health. We cannot afford to overlook any of these areas.

“Our society must be equipped to provide robust support systems—through schools, places of worship, and community programmes that strengthen our boys and prepare them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“When we come together to support each other, we build a network of strength that will guide and nurture our children.”

The governor’s wife stated that the government was committed to creating an environment where every child could reach their full potential.

“Let us foster environments where they can grow into men of integrity, resilience, and empathy. Let us guide them to understand that true strength lies not in dominance, but in understanding – not in isolation, but in connection with others.

“Together, we can raise a generation of boys who will grow into pillars of a more compassionate society. Thank you, and may we continue to inspire each other in this journey of parenting. God bless you all, and God bless our beautiful Lagos State.”

Munduate, represented by Celine Lafoucriere, underscored the importance of positive modelling, saying parents must be positive role models to their children.