Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday launched a male-child sensitizlsation programme to promote gender equality and challenge traditional patriarchal norms in the state.
Aiyedatiwa noted that the initiative aims to instill positive values, enhance emotional intelligence, foster attitudinal changes and equip boys with essential life skills needed to navigate societal pressures effectively.
Flagging off the programme in three schools in Ondo Town, headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area, Governor Aiyedatiwa said his government was committed to promoting gender equality and empowering all children to reach their full potential irrespective of gender.
The schools include Ondo Boys High School, Ondo Anglican Grammar School and St. Joseph’s College, all in Ondo town.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, the Governor said, “The initiative targets 1,000 students from each of the 18 local government areas of the state. So, we are looking at a minimum of 18,000 students.”
“The unique needs of the boy child will be identified and addressed. The initiative aims to instill positive values, enhance emotional intelligence, foster attitudinal changes and equip boys with essential life skills needed to navigate societal pressures effectively.
“You can see that the event was warmly received by students, teachers and principals who expressed excitement and appreciation for the impactful programme.”
Speaking at the programme, Executive Director of Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence (OSAA-GBV), Mrs Bolanle Afolabi, who addressed the topic of anger management, cautioned that while anger is a natural emotion, failing to control it has led many young men to trouble and correctional centres.
Afolabi urged the students to develop healthy coping mechanisms and seek help if they struggled with managing their emotions.
At St. Joseph’s College, a University Don, Professor Bridget Awosika engaged the students in a discussion on resisting negative peer pressure, offering practical strategies to help them make informed and independent decisions.
The Director of Research and Documentation at the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr Oladeji Olorunsola, emphasised attitudinal changes, reiterating the impacts of good behaviour and character.
Also, a Nurse and a member of the Hospital Management Board, Patience Aarinola Adamolekun, spoke on emotional intelligence, explaining how they could develop this life-changing skill using the RULER framework: Recognise emotions, Understand their causes, Label them accurately, Express emotions appropriately and Regulate them effectively.
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