The Building Up Boys Initiative (BUB) on Friday May 15th marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child with a strong call for greater societal attention to the emotional, psychological, and leadership development of boys, warning that neglecting the boy child could deepen social instability in the future.
The event, held at Fox Hotel in Jos the Plateau State Capital under the theme, “Flourish and Thrive: Investing in Boys for Stronger Families and Communities,” brought together psychologists, therapists, educators, entertainers, and students to discuss the growing concerns surrounding boy-child development in Nigeria.
Speaking during the programme, the founder of the initiative,Mrs. Tamwakat Shingel, said the organisation was created in response to what she described as an imbalance in the level of advocacy and investment directed toward girls compared to boys.
“What motivated me is the gap I have seen in society and culture,” she said. “We have paid so much attention to the girl child, which is good, but these girls will eventually end up with boys who were not properly raised.”
According to her, empowering girls alone without intentionally raising responsible boys creates long-term social consequences for families and communities.
“If a girl is properly brought up but later ends up with a broken or emotionally unstable man, it still affects her life. We are not saying people should stop supporting girls. We are only saying boys should not be left behind,” she added.
Shingel linked many societal problems, including poor leadership and rising crime, to inadequate mentoring and emotional development among boys.
“Most leadership positions in society are occupied by men, from governors to pastors and imams. If we are dissatisfied with leadership outcomes, then we must also examine how boys are being raised,” she said.
She further called on governments and non-governmental organisations to establish programmes specifically focused on boys and men, noting that many states have ministries dedicated to women affairs but none for boys’ development.
The event featured sessions by mental health and development experts who addressed substance abuse, emotional intelligence, hygiene, mentorship, and leadership.
Mrs.Nene Dung from the Plateau Gender and equal opportunities Commisions appreciate Mrs.Shingel for coming up with this initiative as the society often marginalized the boys,she further encouraged the boys and motivate them to grow with the zeal of becoming better people in the nearest future.
The member representing Quanpan North at the Plateau State House of Assembly Owen Dakogot appreciates the convener for her wonderful work and urges the boys to maximise this opportunity judiciously stating that a society that invests in boys has empowered future leaders and fathers of the nation.
Clinical psychologist, Follami Samuel, urged boys to maintain personal hygiene and avoid substance abuse, warning that drug dependency continues to destroy the future of many young men.
Another speaker, Elizabeth Gimba a clinical Psychologist, challenged cultural expectations that discourage boys from expressing emotions.
“A boy who learns emotional control today is more likely to become a responsible father and community leader tomorrow,” she said.
Trauma and play therapist, Philip Dimka, emphasised that leadership is rooted in character and accountability rather than dominance.
“The most important person you will ever lead is yourself,” he told participants.
Students who attended the event said the sessions had positively influenced their perspectives.
A student of St. Joseph’s College Vom, identified simply as Jatau Bulus, said he learned practical lessons on emotional management and communication with parents.
“I have learned how to approach my parents better and how to become a better person in society,” he said.
Another participant,Godswill Andrew from Mary Emmaculate Secondary School, expressed appreciation to the organisers, saying the programme had inspired him to improve himself.
The programme also featured musical performances by gospel and inspirational artists from Arin Izere and Timothy Garba aimed at motivating participants toward positive living and self-development.
The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session moderated by Shingel alongside other facilitators, followed by a closing prayer from Mr.Akamabe Gabriel from St.Joseph’s College Vom.
Summarising the vision behind the initiative, Shingel said investing in boys would contribute significantly to reducing crime, violence, and social dysfunction.
We want a saner society. If we raise boys differently and more intentionally, many of the problems we see today can be reduced. “Our Society says boys will always be boys but we say that boys would be who you raise them to be” she said.