Sam Philip
Ondo State government has begun the sensitization of male students in secondary schools in the state to strengthen them against societal pressures.
The governor put in place the programme tagged: “Sensitize The Boy Child Initiative,” to equip the male child with psychological skills to sail through all societal pressures.
While flagging off the programme at Ondo Boys High School, Ondo Anglican Grammar School and St. Joseph’s College, Ondo on Friday, the governor, who was represented by his the Special Adviser (Women Affairs), Dr. Seun Osamaye explained that the initiative is a move towards a holistic development of the young boys in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Dr. Osamaye said: “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.
“Ondo State Government is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering all children to reach their full potentials irrespective of gender.
The unique needs of the boy child will be identified and addressed.
“So, in a pivotal move towards the holistic development of young boys, the Ondo State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, launched this sensitization programme which focuses on the boy child.”
The beneficiary students, with their teachers and principals, received the programme with joy, expressing their excitements and appreciations for the impactful programme.
They appreciated the governor for coming up with the initiative which they said would have impact in their lives and better their future tremendously.
Students were educated on critical life skills by major stakeholders from the state Ministry of Women Affairs and the Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence(OSAA-GBV) led by Barrister Bolanle Afolabi.
Also, a member of the state Hospital Management Board, Patience Adamolekun, a nurse, took the students through emotional intelligence, explaining how they could develop this life-changing skill using, what she tagged the RULER framework.
Explaining this theory to the boys, she said RULER means Recognize emotions, Understand their causes, Label them accurately, Express emotions appropriately and Regulate them effectively.
The Executive Secretary of OSAA-GBV, Barrister Afolabi tutored the students on anger management.
She emphasised that while anger is a natural emotion, failing to control it has led many young men into trouble and correctional centres.
Barrister Afolabi, therefore, urged the students to develop healthy coping mechanisms and seek help if they struggle with managing their emotions.
At St. Joseph’s College, a University Don, Professor Bridget Awosika lectured the students on how to resist negative peer pressure, offering practical strategies to help them make informed and independent decisions.
Likewise, the Director, Research and Documentation, Mr. Oladeji Olorunsola spoke on attitudinal changes, highlighting the impacts of good behaviour and character.
The state government is targeting 10,000 male secondary school students from each of the 18 local government areas of the state.
Among government dictionaries and political leaders present at the event are SSA to the Governor, Chief Mrs Olaoye, the Secretary to the Local Government, Erelu Abimbola Oshifeso, the APC LG Women Leader, Chief Mrs. Biola Fayehun, SA Mobilization (Mrs. Udoh Olawoye), and others.