Editor’s Note As traditional mentorship faces a global crisis, a new authority has filled the silence: the Digital Father. In this urgent commentary, Ola Akinwe explores the Relational Poverty driving millions of boys to seek identity through algorithms rather than human connection. It is a vital call to action for anyone committed to reclaiming the
Tag Archives: Mentorship
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
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
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
A boy who seems “difficult” at home or in the classroom may not be a problem at all—he may simply be a personality that has not yet been understood. As a mentor for boys and the founder of the Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network (BMAN), I hear the same questions from parents, educators, and caregivers again
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
Growing up, many of us recall moments of needing guidance, understanding, or a helping hand from someone who could see the world through our eyes—a brother we could trust and look up to. Whether you had a sibling or not, becoming the brother you needed when you were younger is a powerful way to give
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
Understanding the developmental journey of male children is a crucial component of effective mentoring and education. Each stage—cub, boy, and young man—brings unique challenges and opportunities. This blog post explores these three stages, drawing on research and data from around the globe to provide insights into how we can better support boys at each milestone
Instilling discipline in boys has never been more critical than this era marked by constant digital distractions and fast-paced lifestyles. Developing focus and self-discipline not only contributes to academic success but also enhances personal growth and resilience. In this blog post, we explore strategies to move boys from distraction to focus, backed by scientific evidence
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