In a strategic effort to address the evolving challenges facing boys in today’s society and promote a culture of positive masculinity, the Boys Aid Network is set to host the International Boys Day Conference 2025 on Thursday, May 16, 2025, Ibadan.
The highly anticipated event, scheduled to begin at 10:00 am, will gather a cross-section of change-makers, thought leaders, and advocates dedicated to nurturing a generation of strong, focused, and purpose-driven young men. The event is in tandem with the global celebration of International Boys Day, observed annually to recognize the unique needs and contributions of boys worldwide.
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The conference, themed “Beyond Limits: Shaping Boys into Purpose-Driven Men,” is designed to serve as a catalytic platform for empowering boys with the vision, values, and voice they need to become impactful leaders and responsible citizens. As societies across the globe face crises rooted in broken values, identity confusion, and a lack of positive role models for boys, this initiative emerges as a timely response to foster transformation through mentorship, inspiration, and strategic conversations.
The event will feature a powerful lineup of speakers with expertise across diverse sectors that include the Country Manager, Paramount Africa, Dr. Akintunde Johnson Bada; Founder, Tinu Akinlawon Ministries, Pastor Atinuke Akinlawon; Pioneer Head, Cybercrime Unit, FCID, Abuja, CSP Sanni A. Fatai (Rtd); Environmentalist and Founder, Plogging Nigeria, Mayokun Iyaomolere; Founder & Executive Director, Help Initiative, Aderonke Ige, Esq.
The speakers will deliver insights drawn from real-life experience and professional expertise on themes such as leadership, emotional intelligence, environmental responsibility, digital ethics, and value-based living. Their goal is not just to educate, but to inspire and ignite a passion for purpose in every young boy in attendance.
Speaking on the vision of the conference, Convener and Founder of Boys Aid Network, Olufunke Oyinlola, emphasized the need for intentionality in raising the next generation of men.
“We are in a time where the identity and direction of many boys are at risk of being lost in the noise of society,” Oyinlola said. “This conference is our way of stepping in—not to scold boys, but to speak life into them, to open their eyes to possibilities, to show them that they matter and that their lives can be shaped into something great with the right guidance. We are not just creating a conference; we are building a movement of boys who will lead with values, purpose, and courage.” She added.
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“Our society often invests heavily in the girl child—and rightly so—but we must also pay close attention to the boy child. Boys who are not raised intentionally often become men who struggle silently or act out violently. We want to break that cycle. This is about giving boys the room to grow emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually into the kind of men that society needs.”
Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive mentoring sessions, attendees will be encouraged to confront limiting mindsets, embrace personal growth, and pursue a future filled with purpose.
