As global attention turns once again to International Men’s Day today, fresh conversations are emerging around men’s mental health, shifting family roles, and the pressures many men navigate quietly. Marked annually on November 19, the day highlights men’s well-being and the social expectations that often leave their emotional struggles overlooked.
This year’s observance carries renewed relevance with insights from Bunmi Adeniran, a parenting expert, mental wellness advocate, Christian lifestyle coach, and rising motivational speaker. Speaking ahead of the commemoration, she urged society to broaden its appreciation of men beyond financial roles and to acknowledge the deeper, often unseen ways men shape homes and communities.
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“Men are great,” she said. “And good men are excellently great. Their presence anchors families and influences generations.”
She noted that cultural norms tend to measure a man’s worth by his ability to provide materially such as school fees, shelter, and other necessities, while the emotional and structural stability fathers bring receives far less recognition. The absence of a father, she added, affects not only children but also places an immense burden on mothers who must compensate for emotional gaps.
Adeniran’s advocacy is rooted in personal experience. Having grown up without her biological father, she said witnessing her husband’s commitment to fatherhood transformed her view of what male presence means. This, she explained, is why she now speaks openly about celebrating men and creating more platforms where they are honored.
“Women have many spaces for appreciation, and rightly so. But men need to be valued too. When they go too long without recognition, they withdraw.”
As part of this year’s celebrations, Adeniran and a community group are organizing a public event featuring a Best Dad Award, with only children allowed to nominate recipients. According to her, this ensures the award reflects genuine impact rather than self-promotion.
She emphasized that the true measure of a good man is presence, not income or location, but consistent involvement.
“A man who shows up emotionally, physically, and mentally is a good father. You can be wealthy and absent or modest and deeply present. The impact is not in the money; it is in the connection.”
Addressing how society can better support boys and future fathers, she pointed to a common imbalance in parenting. Girls often receive more emotional training and life skills, while boys are expected to simply grow into responsibility. This, she warned, leads to men who are unprepared for relationships, leadership, and fatherhood.
“We must raise boys with the same intentionality as girls. Teach both to manage emotions, handle finances, value family, and be responsible citizens. That is how we build stronger men.”
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Her position mirrors the global theme for International Men’s Day, which focuses on promoting positive male role models and strengthening mental well-being.
Adeniran also announced that her community’s event, open to families and free to attend, will feature tributes to fathers, refreshments, and recognition for biological, adoptive, and mentoring fathers alike.
She concluded with a reminder of the day’s purpose: celebrating men who lead, nurture, and support their families, often without public acknowledgment.
As the world observes International Men’s Day 2025, her message underscores a broader truth. Society thrives when men are appreciated, boys are raised with emotional awareness, and fathers receive the support they need to build healthier homes and communities.
