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Tag: Boys Quarters Africa

  • Boys Quarters Africa to host largest Pan-African Boychild Summit May 16

    Boys Quarters Africa to host largest Pan-African Boychild Summit May 16

    A non-governmental organisation, Boys Quarters Africa is set to convene 20,000 young men simultaneously across four African nations for the largest Pan-African BoyChild Summit on May 16, 2025. 

    In a statement, it said: “This groundbreaking event, supported by leading financial institution WEMA Bank, represents a watershed moment in redefining masculinity and youth empowerment in Africa.

    “The synchronized multi-location summit will connect participants through cutting-edge digital platforms while maintaining impactful in-person experiences. 

    “We’re not just hosting an event – we’re catalyzing a continental shift in how African boys see themselves and their potential,” said Solomon O. Ayodele, Founder & Executive Director of Boys Quarters Africa. 

    Ayodele emphasised the summit’s unique approach: “By reaching boys in 4  nations simultaneously, we’re creating instant peer networks and demonstrating that the challenges facing young African men transcend borders – and so do the solutions.”

    The summit’s financial literacy component will feature WEMA Bank’s innovative ALAT Explore platform, specially designed for teenage banking. 

    “Financial empowerment is masculine empowerment,” noted Sophie Sadiq, Partnership and Programmes Manager. 

    “WEMA Bank understands that teaching boys to manage money responsibly is teaching them to manage lives responsibly. This is why we are truly grateful for WEMA Bank for supporting this summit and throwing their innovative weight behind this”

    Ruby Onwudiwe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stressed the summit’s practical outcomes: “This is a huge step after the relaunch and release of our Impact report. 

    “We truly believe that every participant will leave with a personalized development plan and connection to local mentors. We’re moving from inspiration to implementation.”

    Registration is now open for boys aged 12-21, educators, and youth development stakeholders at www.boysqafrica.org.

  • ‘Why we are focused on raising awareness about vulnerabilities of boy-child’

    ‘Why we are focused on raising awareness about vulnerabilities of boy-child’

    Boys Quarters Africa, a pioneering organisation dedicated to shaping, educating, and improving the lives of boys, has marked a significant milestone with its re-launch and unveiling ceremony, showcasing its profound influence in empowering young men across the continent.

    The event which held recently celebrated the organisation’s achievements over the past five years while setting forth ambitious projections for the next half-decade.

    Speaking on the landmark occasion, the Founder, Solomon O. Ayodele in his remarks, emphasised the organization’s mission to raise awareness about the vulnerabilities of the boy child and challenge the stereotype that men should not express emotions.

    “We believe that the future is not just female. The future is male and female. The future is humanity. And we understand that for us to be able to create the kind of future we have seen. 

    “We need to build a bridge between what our men understand and what our boys should know, and all of the complaints, the issues, the challenges, the whining about the masculine tribe requires a level of proper attention to the boys, and this is what we are starting with, to say that we want to break the stereotypical barrier in the minds of our boys.

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    “To let them know that boys can cry, boys can be emotional, boys can be vulnerable, boys can wear pink. And also to let the world know that boys are being molested. The things girls go through, boys go through them.

    “We are just creating this impact report as the right kind of tool to spread the word and to let people know that we need to create the bridge between those who feel this is an extreme narrative and those of us who see the importance of what we are doing to the future of our continent.”

    Keynote speaker, Gbemiga Soname, emphasised the need for a father figure in the life of a boy child, stating that the presence of a strong, positive male role model is crucial in shaping a boy’s character, instilling discipline, and fostering emotional stability.

    “One key issue that we see is the absence of father figures, and it’s so prevalent, whether it be the biological father, whether it’s a stepfather, or just any father figure in helping raise a child, it’s such a gap that has affected the boy child.

    The organisation announced its expansion plans, which include the introduction of new educational initiatives, expanding and institutionalizing their flagship program for boys in rehab centers or prisons, strategic partnerships with institutions focused on child development, and a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance their outreach to underserved communities across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

    The relaunch event also featured panel discussions, networking sessions, and a showcase of past projects. 

    Attendees expressed their enthusiasm for the renewed vision of Boys Quarters Africa, acknowledging the importance of intentional efforts in addressing the needs of boys in today’s society.

  • Boys Quarters Africa announces relaunch, release of 5-year impact report

    Boys Quarters Africa announces relaunch, release of 5-year impact report

    Boys Quarters Africa (BQA), Africa’s pioneering movement dedicated to the transformation of the boy-child, has announced its relaunch alongside the release of its five-year impact report, showcasing its profound influence in empowering young men across the continent.

    The relaunch is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 22 February 2025.

    Since its inception in 2018, BQA has engaged over 500,000 boys across five African countries, driving a bold agenda of mentorship, leadership development, and gender advocacy. 

    The organisation has spearheaded initiatives that redefine masculinity, foster responsible citizenship, and equip young men with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

    Speaking on this landmark occasion, Solomon O. Ayodele, Founder & Chief Executive of Boys Quarters Africa, emphasized the urgency of the organization’s mission: “The future of Africa hinges on the quality of its men. 

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    “For too long, conversations around gender equity have focused solely on the girl-child, while the challenges faced by boys have remained largely unaddressed. Boys Quarters Africa was birthed to fill this gap, and today, we reaffirm our commitment to raising men of character, competence, and courage.”

    The 5-Year Impact Report highlights Boys Quarters Africa’s transformational work, including its landmark partnerships, mentorship programs, and advocacy campaigns. 

    A notable achievement is the organization’s recent OXFAM-funded project, mobilizing men as allies in ending violence against women and girls.

    Dr. Ruby Onwudiwe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, reiterated the organization’s strategic direction: “This relaunch is not just a milestone; it is a springboard for the next phase of our mission. 

    “The data from our impact report is clear: Boys Quarters Africa is shaping the narrative on male transformation across the continent. As we look ahead, we are committed to scaling our interventions, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that no boy is left behind.”

    Also, there will be series of nationwide events, stakeholder engagements, and a renewed strategy aimed at expanding BQA’s footprint across Africa.