…says initiative to help them navigate societal pressures
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, on Monday, launched a male-child sensitisation programme, aimed towards promoting attitudinal change with the intention to promote gender equality and challenge traditional patriarchal norms.
Flagging off the programme in Ondo town, in Ondo West local government area of the state, the governor said the move was aimed towards the holistic development of young boys.
Speaking, the governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye said his government is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering all children to reach their full potential irrespective of gender.
She disclosed that the initiative is launched in Ondo Boys High School, Ondo Anglican Grammar School and St. Joseph’s College, all in Ondo town, said the innovative marks a significant shift in the traditional focus on girls’ empowerment, recognizing the importance of addressing the unique needs and challenges of the boy-child.
Aiyedatiwa said, “by targeting emotional intelligence, anger management, and peer influence, the program aims to equip young boys with essential life skills, fostering healthier relationships, and communities.
“The initiative targets 1,000 students from each of the 18 local government areas of the state. So, we are looking at a minimum 18,000 students.”
According to him, the initiative aims to educate and sensitize young boys about gender issues, reproductive health, and the importance of respecting women’s rights.
“The unique needs of the boy child will be identified and addressed. The initiative aims to instill positive values, enhance emotional intelligence, foster attidunal changes and equip boys with essential life skills needed to navigate societal pressures effectively.
“You can see that the event was warmly received by students, teachers and principals who expressed excitements and appreciations for the impactful program.”
The Executive Director, Ondo State Agency Against Gender Based Violence (OSAA-GBV), a legal practitioner, Mrs Bolanle Afolabi, who addressed the topic of anger management, cautioned that while anger is a natural emotion, failing to control it has led many young men into trouble and correctional centres.
She urged the students to develop healthy coping mechanisms and seek help if they struggle with managing their emotions.
At St. Joseph’s College, a University Don, Professor Bridget Awosika engaged the students in a discussion on resisting negative peer pressure, offering practical strategies to help them make informed and independent decisions.
While the Director, Research and Documentation, at the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr Oladeji Olorunsola emphasised on Attitudinal changes, reiterating the impacts of good behaviour and character.
Also, a Senior Nurse and a member of the Hospital Management Board, Patience Aarinola Adamolekun, while speaking on emotional intelligence, explained how they could develop this life-changing skill using the RULER framework: Recognize emotions, Understand their causes, Label them accurately, Express emotions appropriately and Regulate them effectively.
The event was attended by well-meaning political leaders in Ondo West especially women from the local government notably, the SSA to Mr Governor, Chief Mrs Olaoye(Aserere), the Secretary to the Local Government, Erelu Abimbola Oshifeso, the APC LG Women Leader, Mrs Biola Fayehun, SA Mobilization (Mrs Udoh Olawoye), Mama Buje Budanu and over 40 other Alappointees and strategic women stakeholders among others.
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