As part of efforts towards shaping a better future for the boychild, the wife of Ooni of Ife, Her Regal Majesty, Olori Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, has officially launched a One Boy One Skill Project of the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD).
This was unveiled on Friday, during the annual essay competition organized by GAIYD, in Abuja in commemoration of the International Day of the Boychild 2025, focused on the theme “Boy’s Health and Wellbeing” and the essay topic, “Where are the Mentors? The Missing Role Models for Boy’s Growth and Development.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Olori Ogunwusi appreciated the Founder of GAIYD, Dr. Hillary Akpua, for the initiative, noting that it will help in engaging the young mind positively.
“My brother, you have done something super remarkable and not just that we appreciate you, God Almighty too will appreciate you. God bless you and I pray for more wisdom. God will continue to expand you and give you the true ingredients that will change the mind of these young boys positively.
“It’s all about captivating their minds, once you can change their minds, once they can identify who they are, like 70 percent of everything is already sorted,” Ogunwusi said.
Emphasizing the importance of being a voice for boys, the Olori challenged adults to reflect on their roles in nurturing boys.
“Who is going to be the voice for our boys? As a mentor, as a parent, as a guardian, are you a voice for your boy or for your boys? How have you been a voice for that boy child? For that son that you birthed?,” Ogunwusi queried.
Also speaking, Dr. Akpua noted that the One Boy One Skill Project will equip secondary school students and some out of school children, with skills on Agriculture, Fashion Design, ICT, Photograph, Catering, Culinary Arts, among others.
According to him, GAIYD is partnering with other bodies like; National Board for Technical Education, Hope Alive Initiative, and Gysapeo, towards making the vision a reality.
The GAIYD’s Founder, noted the need for a dedicated focus on the boychild and expressed gratitude for the growing advocacy for boys.
“If you have not been paying attention to your boys, please start doing so. Send them for training where they can develop more because the girls you are training today might meet the boy you left untrained tomorrow. I’m sure you won’t want that girl you are busy training today to marry such an untrained boy.
“In order word, for the efforts we put into raising our female children not to be counterproductive eventually, we really need to do better in raising these young men God has blessed us with,” Akpua said.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, who was represented by the Commission’s head of Enlightenment and Reorientation, Aisha Muhammad, emphasized the urgent need for integrity and guidance among youth.
Olukoyede explained that the EFCC has established integrity clubs in primary and secondary schools to instill ethical values. “We have zero tolerance clubs in the tertiary institutions, trying to catch them young, to instill the spirit of integrity and talk to them about what they should know, what they shouldn’t do,” he added.
He highlighted the pervasive threat of cybercrime, which poses significant risks to the mental health of young boys, warning that cybercrime can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress.
“The issue of mental health and well-being of the male child is crucial and it is at the heart of the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child Celebration.
“The weight of secrecy, fear of detection, and potential prosecution can be overwhelming,” he cautioned.
Olukoyede therefore called for collective responsibility from parents, educators, and mentors to guide young people towards positive alternatives and foster digital literacy.
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the essay competition.
While the first position received a scholarship worth 150,000 Naira, the second position was awarded 100,000 Naira, and the third position received 50,000 Naira.
Additionally, consolation prizes were provided for runners-up and sponsored gifts for all participants.”
GAIYD, a non-governmental organization dedicated to community and human development, places special emphasis on the growth and empowerment of the male child.
