Experts, government officials, mental health advocates and civil society leaders have called on men and boys to break the culture of silence surrounding emotional and psychological challenges, stressing that seeking help should not be seen as a sign of weakness.
The call was made on Thursday at the National Stakeholders Conference 4.0 organised by the Jashabel Touch-A-Heart (JTAH) Foundation in Lagos. The conference, themed “Men, Why the Silence?”, focused on issues of masculinity, vulnerability, emotional well-being and relationship challenges.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended the foundation for providing a platform to address concerns affecting men and boys.
According to him, many young men are burdened by societal expectations that discourage them from expressing their emotions or seeking help when faced with difficulties.
Ogunlende disclosed that the Lagos State Government, through the Office of the First Lady, had initiated programmes to support the growth and welfare of the boy-child. He added that efforts were underway to institutionalise the Boy-Child Initiative in the state to complement existing interventions targeted at girls and women.
“We continue to invest in our girls, but we must also pay attention to our boys to ensure a balanced and healthy society,” he said.
The commissioner stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to address challenges confronting young men.
In his keynote address, Kingsley Obom-Egbulem noted that many men struggle to share their emotional burdens because they were raised to view vulnerability as a sign of weakness.
He said unresolved emotional wounds often have far-reaching consequences on relationships, families and leadership, adding that men require support, guidance, affirmation and positive role models to redefine masculinity.
“Strength does not exclude vulnerability,” he said, urging fathers to become more emotionally present in the lives of their children and embrace positive parenting.
Also speaking, human rights activist Joe Okei-Odumakin said societal expectations often compel men to suppress their emotions despite carrying enormous personal and financial responsibilities.
She observed that many men silently endure trauma, depression and other mental health challenges due to fears of stigma and judgment.
Okei-Odumakin called for increased awareness of men’s mental health issues and the creation of safe spaces where men can openly discuss their struggles without fear of discrimination.
She added that addressing the emotional needs of men would help build healthier relationships, stronger families and a more peaceful society.
Executive Director of the JTAH Foundation, Favour Benson, said the conference was designed to encourage honest conversations about masculinity, emotional well-being and relationship issues.
She expressed confidence that the discussions would generate practical solutions for supporting men and strengthening family values across communities.
Participants at the conference also advocated sustained public awareness campaigns, mentorship programmes and policy interventions aimed at improving the welfare and overall well-being of men and boys nationwide.
The stakeholders agreed that encouraging men to speak up and seek support is critical to reducing emotional distress, fostering healthier families and promoting lasting social harmony
