We often discuss the kind of men we want in society, but we tend to forget the boys we are raising.
What does it actually mean to raise a balanced boy?
A balanced boy is not just one who follows rules or excels academically. Rather, he is learning to understand his emotions and strengths, communicate clearly, build core values, and integrate them into pursuing his dreams.
But raising balanced boys does not happen in isolation. It takes a community.
On May 15, the 2026 Ìbàdàn Boys Conference (IBC) brought together a community of volunteers, speakers, sponsors, partners, and boy-child advocates to initiate discussions and explore practical ways for boys to understand themselves better and walk in paths best suited to wholesome development.
The conference explored what can happen when boys have the chance to ask questions, engage in conversations that challenge misconceptions about what it means to be a boy in today’s world, and better understand themselves.
This year, BWB NG decided to focus on the theme, “Building Balanced Boys for a Balanced Future”. There is an urgent need to focus on the overall growth of the boy child in today’s world. As with every edition of the conference, boys from different secondary schools in Ibadan arrived at the venue curious and eager to partake in the activities.
From the boys’ arrival to the final award presentation, one thing was clear: Ìbàdàn Boys Conference 2026 was not just another event; it was a deliberate investment in the boys who would shape tomorrow.
Understanding What Boys Need to Thrive
Boys face pressure and emotional struggles that often go unnoticed. Addressing these issues requires more than telling them what to do. It goes beyond just giving them instructions without listening to understand exactly how they’re feeling.
We must create opportunities for them to:
- Ask questions without fear.
- Build confidence and resilience.
- Understand themselves and their emotions.
- Find purpose and envision their future.
IBC 2026 created room for many of these conversations.
One major highlight of the conference was the keynote speech by Engineer Goodness Morakinyo, titled “Beyond Your Environment: Rising to Global Relevance”.
His message urged the boys not to let their background dictate their future. In his words,
“Your starting point doesn’t determine your destination; the choices you make today do.”
In a world obsessed with quick success, the takeaway was clear. Some boys might grow up in environments that normalise harmful behaviours and limiting beliefs. They might unconsciously adopt the worldview of the community they’re part of, because it is what they have always known.
Boys need to be shown better paths and better ways of doing things. They need to know that growth is possible and that becoming a better version of themselves is an everyday decision.
The same focus continued in Adeife Adewale’s session on career development and future opportunities. For many students there, the session revealed the possibilities of different career choices beyond what they may already know.
Creating Safe Spaces for Emotional Growth and Self-Expression
For boys to thrive, they also need guided spaces to discuss topics they might struggle to process on their own.
One of the most powerful moments of the Ìbàdàn Boys Conference 2026 was the breakout session where volunteers from Boys Without Borders and Asido Foundation engaged directly with the boys. They openly discussed topics like sex education and mental health without fear or shame.
These conversations matter because many young boys grow up with questions about their bodies, emotions, relationships, and general development without the necessary spaces or trusted adults to provide answers.
When questions like these are left unanswered, they may turn to unreliable sources for answers.
Creating safe spaces doesn’t mean giving boys the “freedom” to do whatever they want, but giving them proper guidance to understand themselves and make the right decisions as they progress in life.
In the same vein, Dr. Olaoluwa Olorunfemi led a powerful session on “Substance Abuse Prevention and Bullying.” His message addressed unhealthy coping mechanisms and emotional suppression.
When boys do not find healthy ways of expressing themselves as they experience changes and navigate their teenage years, they may turn to harmful substances.
One quote from his session truly resonated with the audience:
“The alternative way of expressing yourself is clear communication about issues when they arise.”
This was a reminder that strength is not silence. Boys should not have to suppress their emotions to prove strength. They need to learn that true strength lies in learning to communicate, process emotions, and seek help when needed.
Raising Balanced Boys Is More Than One Event
Helping boys thrive also involves giving them chances to be recognized for their skills.
The Ibadan Boys Conference featured the Richard Ogunjimi Oratory Contest for secondary school students and the finale of the Chidera Anushiem Undergraduate Essay Competition.
The oratory competition was one of the most thrilling moments of the conference. The boys shared their perspectives on “Social Media and the Young Mind: A Tool for Growth or a Trap?” It was a defining moment as the boys presented their ideas with points that reflected critical thinking and the development of their presentation skills.
It is important to give boys spaces to grow and develop skills that’ll help them become the balanced boys we want to see. And while they’re at it, one of the best things we can do is to celebrate their efforts and reward their wins.
At the conference, awards were given to the top essay writers in the essay competition and the top three oratory champions (1st: Bishop Onabanjo High School; 2nd: Immanuel College; 3rd: Methodist Grammar School).
Read the published essays of the top three essay writers:
1st – Klistivivi Ogunlana [Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife]
2nd – Joshua Obeya [University of Ibadan]
3rd – Hunsu Gabriel Boluwatife [University of Ibadan]
In addition, we must recognize that raising balanced boys is a responsibility that will always be present in our society. It goes beyond one event, one school, or one organization.
Boys need adults who will listen to them.
They need environments that will challenge them to grow.
They need guidance that will help them distinguish between harmful normalised behaviours and healthy expressions of masculinity.
They need opportunities to discover their strengths and develop their voices.
The 2026 Ìbàdàn Boys Conference was more than awards and photographs. It was a call to action and a reminder of what can happen when boys are intentionally given the support and guidance they need to grow.
The work does not end when the conference does.
The conversations continue.
The responsibility continues.
And the vision continues.
Because the men we hope to see in society tomorrow are the boys we choose to intentionally raise today.
Nathaniel Ashaye is an animal scientist, writer, historian and an aspiring veterinarian passionate about advancing animal health through research, innovation, and collaboration. He volunteers with the content team at Boys Without Borders NG.
