Save Boys Initiative tackles drug abuse, other issues at International Boys Day Conference in Abuja
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Save the Boys Initiative and Boys Leadership Academy commemorated this year’s International Boys Day by hosting the 2025 International Boys Conference with the theme “Reformation.” The event took place at the Maryam Babangida National Women Centre in Abuja, drawing over 50 secondary schools and more than 2,000 boys.
The conference focused on pressing issues affecting boys, including drug abuse, addiction, and leadership development.
Speaking with journalists, the founder of the organization, Ebuka Ede, emphasized the importance of building self-esteem in boys and promoting leadership.
Empowering Boys for a Brighter Future
Ebuka Ede, widely known as the “King of the Boys,” is the founder of the Save the Boys Initiative and the Boys Leadership Academy. He stated that the 2025 conference was aimed at addressing persistent challenges such as drug abuse and addiction among boys.
“The objective is to equip boys with the right skills to become responsible leaders, husbands, and citizens,” he said.
The Global State of Boys
The organization highlighted the challenges boys face globally, including a lack of leadership opportunities, exposure to drugs, and increasing immorality. However, it remains committed to making a difference by offering guidance and mentorship.
To this end, Save the Boys Initiative plans to hold follow-up sessions with boys to address deep-seated issues like addiction. Additionally, they will work with parents through special sessions designed to equip them with the skills to support their children effectively.
“Our aim is to build a society with fewer inmates, lower drug dependency rates, and reduced criminality,” Ede noted. “By empowering boys and supporting parents, we can achieve this.”
Responding to journalists at the conference, Ede said:
“All over the world, we are celebrating boys. This year’s theme focuses on building self-esteem and encouraging boys to stand up, be heard, and be seen.”
He continued:
“A lot is happening with boys across the globe. What we’re witnessing in male leadership today is not what we desire. To raise boys who become better men, we need to start molding them now. When boys are raised well, we have better leaders, responsible husbands, and fewer criminals.”
He added:
“These issues persist because no one has taken the time to teach boys properly. That’s why we’re here—to equip them for a future free of crime and drug abuse.”
He revealed that more than 50 schools and about 2,000 boys participated in this year’s event. “We’re planning follow-up sessions because the boys shared deeply personal issues. Some were literally in tears, pleading for help. We’ll be going into schools to address addiction and other grassroots challenges.”
Engaging Parents for Lasting Impact
The organization is also extending its efforts to parents. “Every time we host training for boys, we have special sessions for parents,” Ede said. “If parents are unaware or unequipped, our efforts won’t go far. We’re partnering with parents to build a strong support system.”
Co-founder Ruth Ede Speaks
Standard-Times Nigeria correspondent reports that co-founder Ruth Ede expressed her excitement:
“Oh my God, I am so happy and excited to see our boys being remembered today. Boys are like forgotten treasures, and it brings me great joy to see attention finally being given to them.”
She added:
“As Africans, parenting a boy requires intentionality, knowledge, and structure. You are not raising a boy just for yourself; you’re raising someone’s future husband, father, and potential world leader. Think big and parent with vision.”
A Survivor’s Reflection
David Folaranmi, a former drug addict, stressed the importance of prevention.
“The solution starts with families. If families are strengthened, we will see the ripple effects in society. Initiatives like Save the Boys are game-changers. Saving one boy can mean saving a generation.”
Wendy Ologe’s Perspective
Wendy Ologe emphasized the need to give boys a platform to speak:
“Many boys are silently going through a lot. We’re creating safe spaces for them to open up.”
Reflecting on the program’s success, she recalled:
“Last year, a boy known for political thuggery attended and changed completely after the event. If one boy can transform, it will ripple through communities.”
She noted that beyond the annual event, the Boys Leadership Academy runs year-round, offering online training and skill development for boys globally.
Tackling Deep Issues
The initiative addresses a wide range of issues, including drug abuse, homosexuality, and behavioral challenges. Their presence spans across Nigeria and includes branches in Canada.
Ologe urged parents to rise to the occasion:
“With the volume of harmful information out there, parenting has become even more crucial. We are in trouble if we don’t invest in raising our boys properly.”
The International Boys Conference featured panel sessions, interactive discussions, and skill-building activities. The Save the Boys Initiative is calling on parents, government bodies, and stakeholders to support parenting systems and youth mentorship programs. By doing so, they believe we can raise empowered boys who will lead society with responsibility and integrity.
