By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

In furtherance of its commitment to inclusive child development, the Ondo State Government has intensified its Boy-Child Initiative as officials of the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development visited two prominent schools in Akure South Local Government Area, Oyemekun Grammar School and Aquinas College.

The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was officially flagged off on March 21, 2025, across three schools in Ondo town: Ondo Boys’ High School, Ondo Anglican Grammar School, and St. Joseph’s College. 

It seeks to promote attitudinal transformation, emotional intelligence, value reorientation, and life skills acquisition among male students to enable them to navigate societal challenges and live impactful lives.

During separate sensitisation sessions at the two Akure schools, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, reiterated the administration’s commitment to gender equity and the holistic development of every child.

Dr Osamaye underscored the importance of moral uprightness and responsible behaviour among boys, describing them as future leaders whose actions would shape society. 

She noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa remained deeply invested in initiatives that guarantee the psychological and social well-being of the boy-child.

“The Governor believes that just as we empower the girl-child, our boys also deserve strategic guidance to become dependable adults. We urge you to embrace good values that will serve you, your families, and our nation,” she said.

Principals of the host schools, Mr Adeniyi Oluyide of Oyemekun Grammar School and Mr Adebisi Jimbola of Aquinas College, lauded the governor’s intervention, describing it as timely and transformative. 

They stressed the urgent need to refocus attention on the boy-child to curb negative societal influences.

They encouraged the students to take the lessons seriously and apply them in their daily lives, while also applauding the Ministry’s proactive implementation of the state government’s vision.

The outreach featured three facilitators who delivered impactful lectures on key developmental topics. Mr Babatunde Emoruwa, Director of Counselling Services at the Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence (OSAAGBV), spoke on Anger Management and Emotional Intelligence; Nurse Aarinola Adamolekun, a Board Member of the Ondo State Health Management Board, addressed the issue of Peer Group Influence; while Mr Sola Oladeji, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Ministry, enlightened the students on Attitudinal Change.

The sessions were well received by students and staff, who expressed gratitude for the initiative and commended the state government for prioritising the welfare and empowerment of the boy-child.