Picture a boy, around twelve years old. He is bright, curious, full of energy. Then something shifts. Gradually, the spark dims. He becomes quieter. His grades slip. He stops showing up — first to school events, then to family conversations, and eventually to life itself. His parents notice. His teachers notice. But no one quite
Many mothers quietly carry the same fear. “I think I’m losing my son.” He used to talk to you about everything. His school day. His friends. His dreams. But now something has changed. He stays in his room more. He answers in short sentences. Sometimes he seems distant, even irritated. And the question many mothers ask themselves
Let’s tell the truth for a minute. If you ask the average Nigerian why young boys drift into cybercrime (Yahoo), rituals, or gangs, they will give you the same tired answer: “It’s poverty, Ola. The economy is hard. There are no jobs.” It sounds logical. It sounds compassionate. But it’s a lie. If poverty were
LAGOS, NIGERIA – January 27, 2026 – The Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network (BMAN), a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to guiding the boy child on the path to responsible manhood, is proud to announce that it has received Final Approval for its Operational License from the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development. This significant
Look around. How many boys do you know who spend hours gaming or scrolling but feel empty after? Have talent but zero motivation to use it? Hang with friends who drag them down but don’t know how to leave? Feel angry, tired, or off but can’t explain why? This isn’t a personality flaw. It’s a
As a mentor for boys and the founder of BMAN, I hear the same questions from parents, educators, and caregivers. They are questions born of deep love, but also deep frustration: “Why won’t he just listen?” “Why is he so difficult?” “Why can’t he be more like his brother?” We see a boy’s behavior on the
Ikorodu, Lagos, April 22, 2025 — Today marked a pivotal moment in youth empowerment and violence prevention as the Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network (BMAN) officially launched the Peace Pledge for Boys Campaign at the BMAN Centre in Ikorodu, Lagos. Amidst an atmosphere charged with energy, hope, and a spirit of unity, the pioneering boys gathered
A father’s happiness is far more than a personal emotion—it is a foundational force that shapes his son’s worldview, emotional health, and future relationships. In a society that often overlooks the emotional needs of boys, paternal happiness serves as a protective factor, fostering resilience, self-worth, and positive masculinity. At Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network (BMAN), we
Abuse against men and boys remains a critically underreported and stigmatized issue globally. Societal norms often dismiss male victimization, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that men are “too strong” to be abused or “weak” if they seek help. This silence exacerbates trauma, isolates survivors, and allows cycles of violence to persist. At BMAN, we believe everyone deserves
Adolescence is a time of growth and self-discovery, often marked by a questioning of rules and authority. For some boys, this quest manifests as a strong desire to assert independence, sometimes leading to disobedience. Understanding these behaviors isn’t just about imposing discipline; it’s about comprehending the developmental, psychological, and societal factors at play. In this