In a bid to nurture emotionally intelligent and confident young men, the Kiddies Mirror Helping Hand Initiative hosted the third edition of its International Day of the Boy Child celebration at Surest Firm Foundation Academy, Lagbasan, Lagos.

With the theme “Self-Esteem and Leadership,” the event empowered 30 boys aged 3 to 17 with practical tools for emotional wellness, confidence-building, and leadership development.

Speaking Ambassador James Expensive, award-winning Wazobia FM on-air personality, urged the boys to surround themselves with focused peers and pursue personal development. “Distance yourself from those without ambition. Your future depends on the choices you make now,” he advised.

Citing Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Expensive stressed the importance of humility, justice, and relationship-building.

The day featured a variety of interactive activities organized by Kiddies Mirror, including:
Age-based mentorship breakout sessions, leadership games and role-plays,affirmation circles to boost self-esteem, open-mic storytelling, giving boys a chance to voice their experiences, and life skills demonstrations on responsibility and emotional expression

In her keynote, Adeniyi Adebimpe Omolara, CEO of Surest Firm Foundation Academy, emphasized that boys must learn to express emotions freely. “Crying doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human,” she said.

She cautioned against harmful behaviors like sending unsolicited photos and stressed the need for boys to respect boundaries and seek help when needed.

Adeniyi also urged the boys to take full advantage of free community resources—such as churches, parks, and youth clubs—and advised them to become self-sufficient, emotionally intelligent, and kind contributors to society.

Mr. Douglas Unah, a media professional with Wazobia FM, highlighted the value of positive affirmations at home. “Confidence is cultivated in the family. Praise your sons for their efforts, not just results,” he said. He also encouraged parents to promote open communication and emotional regulation in their boys.

The Kiddies Mirror Helping Hand Initiative, known for its child-centered advocacy programs, rounded out the event with a group reflection session and distributed educational materials and snacks. The boys were also divided into three age categories to ensure age-appropriate learning and engagement.

The event ended with renewed calls for homes, schools, and communities to invest intentionally in the emotional and mental development of the boy child, promoting balance, respect, and leadership from an early age.