As the world commemorates the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and NBA presidential candidate, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, has called for deliberate investment in raising boys with integrity, discipline, and purpose. In a message marking the occasion, Akangbe emphasized that the future of society largely depends on how effectively the boy child is nurtured today.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Positive Masculinity,” Akangbe noted that boys must be guided to become responsible fathers, dependable leaders, respectful partners, and productive members of society. He stressed that true masculinity is rooted in character, service, self-control, and respect, adding that the legal profession witnesses firsthand the effects of poor mentorship and broken values. According to him, building a better Nigeria begins with raising better boys who are prepared for the responsibilities of tomorrow.
Read full statement below;
As we mark the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child, I am reminded that the future of every society depends greatly on how well we raise our boys today.
This year’s theme of Positive Masculinity speaks to a truth we must all embrace: the boy child must be intentionally guided to grow into a man of integrity, responsibility, compassion, and purpose.
A boy who is properly nurtured becomes a responsible father, a dependable leader, a respectful partner, and a worthy contributor to society.
As lawyers, we understand the importance of values, discipline, and accountability. We see daily the consequences of broken homes, poor mentorship, and lost direction. This is why investing in the boy child is not just a family responsibility, it is a national duty.
We must teach our boys that true strength is character, true leadership is service, and true masculinity is built on respect, self-control, and integrity.
The future of the Bar, the future of leadership, and indeed the future of Nigeria depends on the kind of men we raise today.
I believe strongly that building a better nation begins with raising better boys.
Let us celebrate, mentor, protect, and prepare the boy child for the responsibilities of tomorrow.
Happy International Day of the Boy Child.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN
Candidate, NBA President 2026
