• WHO reveals 14% of adolescents face mental health issues
• Says suicide leading cause of death at aged 15 to 29
Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and a professor of psychiatry and clinical psychology at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. Olurotimi Coker, have raised the alarm over the rising cases of mental health issues among boys.
They stated this, yesterday, during the ongoing three-day 2025 Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) residential workshop at the Lagos State Model College, Agbowa-Ikosi, in Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Coker, who stressed the growing mental health crisis among boys and the need for early intervention, recalled World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, which revealed that 14 per cent of adolescents worldwide experience mental health issues, with suicide ranking among the leading causes of death for those aged 15 to 29.
He, therefore, urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to recognise the signs of emotional distress in boys and provide them with necessary support. He noted that many boys suffer in silence because they are afraid of being judged, stressing that it is crucial to teach them that seeking help is not a sign of weakness.
Delivering her welcome address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the importance of grooming well-rounded boys who will grow into responsible men.
She said that the LBCI was created to bridge the gap in attention given to boys’ development compared to girls, ensuring they receive the mentorship and guidance needed to thrive.
Sanwo-Olu, who noted that as a society, there must be intentional efforts to raise strong, confident, and emotionally intelligent boys, urged parents to take active roles in their children’s emotional and moral upbringing.She stressed that fathers must serve as role models and mentors, while mothers must nurture their sons with wisdom and understanding.
Meanwhile, another key event of the day was a panel session that explored “Community Stakeholders and Their Roles in Enhancing Education in Host Communities.”
The discussion focused on how traditional rulers, religious leaders, and educational institutions can work together to improve learning environments, encourage positive behaviour, and prevent school dropouts.
