Stakeholders have emphasized the importance of training boys to foster a balanced future and protect the girl-child, noting that both genders must be adequately prepared for adulthood to achieve societal harmony.
Speaking at the seventh edition of the Academics, Fashion, Relationship, Outright (A.F.R.O) Conference, held at T.I. Francis, Federal University of Technology, Akure, last weekend, Pastor Demola Awoyele, Lead Pastor of Destiny Impact Church, highlighted the critical role of well-trained men in leading homes and society.
Awoyele explained that while men are created to lead, training should begin early to shape their values, as it is more challenging to reform unprepared adults. He advised participants to focus on four essential life pillars—Mandate (Assignment), Manual, Manager, and Mantle (Empowerment)—and stressed the need for proper mentorship.
“Men are expected to handle a lot in society. If we train women and neglect men, we risk handing over well-trained women to untrained men,” Awoyele said. He urged the government and organizations to create safe spaces where men can express vulnerability and receive the necessary guidance and support.
Another speaker, Mr. Emmanuel Owoyemi, who addressed the topic Academic Pressing and Academic Pressure, noted that the conference shed light on the often-overlooked need for supporting the boy-child. Owoyemi stressed that while NGOs focus heavily on empowering girls, boys also require mentorship to avoid future imbalances.
“It becomes problematic when a well-trained girl ends up with an untrained boy. Both need guidance to build a balanced society,” Owoyemi remarked.
The conference convener, Tolulope Adetoke Asa, explained that the event aimed to foster men’s growth and equip them for a brighter future. She pointed out the societal misconception that boys will naturally thrive without intentional training.
“I want to encourage men to understand their identity beyond physical attributes. Being a man involves Purpose, Excellence, Neatness, Integrity, and Spiritual Intelligence (P.E.N.I.S.),” Asa said, urging men to express emotions healthily and embrace mentorship for personal and societal impact.
Mr. Arionla Daniel, another key speaker, echoed the importance of balanced attention for boys and girls to ensure societal stability. He encouraged participants to embrace their journeys, avoid peer pressure, and build intentional, healthy associations to fulfill their purpose.
The conference emphasized that raising well-rounded boys is essential to complement the efforts made in empowering girls and securing a balanced and prosperous future for all.
