Debra’s Palace Initiative marks ‘Int’l Day of the Boy Child’ with call for renewed focus on male youth devt

IN commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child, Debra’s Palace Initiative hosted its annual Boy Child Conversation Conference at the Pistis Conference Centre, Lekki, Lagos, drawing attention to the critical need for renewed investment in the emotional, psychological, and leadership development of the boy child.

The conference, held May 17, brought together male students from private and public schools across Lagos, as well as parents, educators, civil society organisations, and faith-based groups. The goal: to address the challenges faced by boys in today’s society and foster holistic, strategic interventions that promote emotional resilience and mental wellness among young males.

The conference was held in collaboration with Pistis Foundation, serving as a strategic partner, while Chess in Slums Africa provided technical support as a technical partner.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor and Special Guest of Honour, stressed the importance of balanced advocacy for children of all genders.

“It just takes one of us to take that initiative, no matter how small, to change one life at a time,” she said. “Whether they are in private schools, public schools, orphanages, or on the streets, privileged or vulnerable, boys deserve the chance to be heard, to feel, and to thrive.”

Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised that a just and inclusive society cannot be achieved if the boy child continues to be overlooked in policy and programming.

She called for greater collaboration among government agencies, families, schools, and religious organisations to support the development of boys and promote inclusive parenting practices.

Since its inception in 2021, Debra’s Palace Initiative has impacted over 2,500 boys through its flagship Boy Talk Conversation program.

The initiative offers mentorship, skill-building summer schools, scholarship support, and emotional guidance to boys aged 13 to 17, especially those from underserved backgrounds, including technical colleges, religious institutions, and correctional centres.

The Founder and Executive Director of the initiative, Mrs. Damilola Chinedu, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to providing safe spaces where boys are seen, heard, and equipped to thrive.

“In a world where boys often struggle silently with identity and emotional expression, our work is not just important, it is essential,” Chinedu said. “We’re building systems of support, education, mentorship, and transformation. We believe that no boy should walk into our space and leave the same.”

She also announced the second edition of the Creative Summer School, slated for August 2025, which will teach boys practical skills such as cinematography, video editing, photography, sound production, graphic design, content creation, product design, coding, artificial intelligence, and more.

“This program isn’t just about learning skills, it’s about giving boys something to believe in, build with, and grow through,” Chinedu added. “But we must acknowledge that without adequate funding, this work cannot reach its full potential. We invite government bodies, development partners, corporate organisations, and kind-hearted individuals to support this mission.”

The conference addressed key challenges facing boys today, including emotional suppression, peer pressure, lack of mentorship, family neglect, and negative stereotypes.

Speakers include Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Dr. Abiodun Ogunleye;  storyteller and CEO Zuri24 Media, Femi Odugbemi; Leonard Thomas; Executive Director, Treasury & Business Growth, Abbey Mortgage Bank, Dipo Adeoye, Group Energy CEO; and Executive Director, Pistos Foundation,