Hon. Odunare Mahruf Olumuyiwa hosted the groundbreaking initiative Epe Boys Safe Space in honor of the International Day of the Boy Child, on Saturday, 18th May, 2024. The event brought together young boys and men from the community to highlight their potentials and promises. In a world where boys’ voices and needs are often overlooked, it is crucial to pause and celebrate their unique journeys and contributions.

The Epe Boys Safe Space Project goes beyond being just an event; it stands as a strong statement of our commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, fathers, and change-makers.

Hon. Owolabi J Falana and TR. Yusuf Leecrown served as the keynote and guest speaker, respectively. Their insightful words and passionate advocacy for youth empowerment have made a lasting impact on everyone present. Their dedication to creating safe and supportive spaces for young people is truly inspiring, and their contributions to the event are greatly appreciated.

In his address, Hon. Odunare Mahruf Olumuyiwa shared that the initiative stemmed from his observations of how boys are treated in Nigerian society and his concerns about the factors leading them astray. He noted, “Female children are often celebrated and empowered, while men and boys are hardly remembered.”

Odunare emphasized the importance of providing a safe space and resources to empower young boys, aiming to reduce negative behaviors and cultivate their potential as valuable assets to themselves and the community.

Stressing parental involvement, he urged parents to actively monitor their male children, focusing on their academic progress, social circles, and activities. By creating a supportive environment and guiding their growth, parents can help guide young boys towards positive paths.

Hon. Odunare Mahruf Olumuyiwa expressed his gratitude, stating, “My heartfelt thanks also go to our chief host, Hon. Tobun Abiodun, for his unwavering support and leadership. His vision and commitment to the well-being of our community have been a driving force behind this initiative.”

Special appreciation was extended to notable attendees, including Prince Olusegun Osinaike, Tutor General / Permanent Secretary of Education District IV; Alhaji Oluwatoyin Gbadamosi, All Progressive Congress Party Chairman, Epe Local Government; Engr Odeyemi Tope Wariz, Supervisor for Works and Infrastructure, Eredo LCDA; Hon. Adele, Supervisor for Education, Epe Local Government; and Comrade Moibi Ibraheem, Coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Epe Branch.

Epe Boys Safe Space aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, which advocates for gender equality. By creating a safe space for our boys, we are also contributing to a more balanced and equitable society where both boys and girls can thrive. Supporting SDG Goal 5 means working towards a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to succeed and contribute to their communities.