Across many communities, conversations around youth development often focus on the challenges facing girls, while the unique struggles confronting boys receive far less attention.
Yet stakeholders warn that many boys are growing up without adequate mentorship, guidance, or support systems, leaving them vulnerable to negative influences, substance abuse, cybercrime, school disengagement, and other social challenges.
Determined to change this narrative, MarBen Foundation has concluded the maiden edition of the BroCode Conference, a youth mentorship initiative designed to help boys develop the values, life skills, and leadership qualities needed to thrive.
The conference, held on June 13, 2026, in Jalingo, Taraba State, brought together over 230 boys from participating schools and communities. It marked the culmination of the BroCode School Tour, a six-week intervention that reached more than 720 boys across 19 secondary schools.
Implemented by MarBen Foundation with support from TY Danjuma Foundation, the initiative was created to provide boys with access to mentorship, guidance, and positive male role models during a critical stage of their development.
Held under the theme, “Intentional Bro: Raising Responsible Men,” the programme combined mentorship, leadership development, life-skills education, and practical discussions around issues affecting adolescent boys.
Participants received training on self-awareness, self-leadership, peer pressure, drug abuse, cybercrime awareness, financial literacy, sexual health, and responsible decision-making through the BroCode Mentorship Guide developed for the programme.
A defining feature of the conference was the Father Mentorship Circle, which connected participants with more than 30 mentors drawn from different professions and walks of life.
Through small-group discussions, the mentors shared personal experiences, life lessons, challenges, and practical advice, creating a rare opportunity for boys to engage openly with positive male role models.
For many participants, the experience was transformative.
One student from Government Day Secondary School, Kofai, described the mentorship session as one of the most impactful parts of the programme.
“I learned that where you start does not determine where you will end. Hearing my mentor’s story encouraged me to stay focused and work towards my goals,” he said.
At the end of the conference, participants were inducted as BroCode Ambassadors and encouraged to become positive influences within their schools and communities.
Speaking on the initiative, Executive Director of MarBen Foundation, Dorcas Elisha, said the programme was born out of the growing need to intentionally invest in boys.
“Too often, boys are expected to figure life out on their own. Yet many are dealing with enormous pressures and challenges. We believe boys need guidance, mentorship, and positive examples just as much as anyone else,” she said.
Elisha noted that the Foundation’s goal is to ensure that boys are equipped not only to avoid negative influences but also to become responsible men capable of making meaningful contributions to their families, communities, and society.
She added that the success of the maiden edition has reinforced the need for continued investment in programmes that support boys and young men.
MarBen Foundation is calling on government agencies, schools, community leaders, faith-based organisations, development partners, and the private sector to support efforts aimed at expanding mentorship opportunities and life-skills programmes for boys.
