Sometimes, meaningful change begins with a simple observation.
For Dr. Hillary Akpua, President of GAIYD, that observation was the growing realization that the boy child was often left out of important conversations about child development. While many initiatives rightly focused on supporting girls, there remained a need to also address the emotional, moral, and social development of boys.
That conviction became the foundation of a movement.
Speaking at the International Day of the Boychild 2026 held at Moshood Abiola Stadium on May 16, Dr. Hillary reflected on the journey that transformed a shared concern among friends into an organization that has spent nearly five years advocating for the welfare and healthy development of boys.
“It’s a journey that we started with friends and today we are almost five years old,” he said.
This words resonated with participants gathered under the theme, “Boys for Integrity,” a theme carefully chosen to emphasize the values needed to guide young boys through an increasingly complex world.
For Dr. Hillary, integrity is not merely a virtue to be discussed during events; it is a character trait that must be intentionally cultivated through mentorship, education, and positive community influence. He emphasized that boys need support systems that help them grow into responsible men who can contribute meaningfully to society.
Throughout his address, he highlighted the importance of ensuring that boys are not overlooked in conversations about development. According to him, every child deserves guidance and opportunities to thrive, and boys must be equipped with the emotional intelligence, discipline, and moral foundation necessary to navigate life’s challenges.
One of the most interesting aspects of his speech was the explanation behind the event’s football-centered activities.
While football provided excitement and entertainment, Dr. Hillary explained that the choice was deliberate and strategic. He described football as a powerful tool for connection and engagement, particularly among young boys.
“Football brings nations together, football brings communities together, football brings families together,” he said.
His statement captured the essence of the day’s activities. Beyond the competition on the field was a larger goal: using the universal appeal of football to bring young people together around conversations about character, leadership, teamwork, and integrity.
The sport served as a practical reminder that success is not determined by talent alone. Discipline, respect, accountability, and teamwork are values that shape both great athletes and responsible citizens.
In concluding his address, Dr. Hillary returned to the central message of the event—the need to raise boys who embody integrity and responsibility.
His speech was both a reflection on how far the movement has come and a call to action for parents, educators, community leaders, and policymakers. Building a better society, he suggested, begins with investing in the next generation and intentionally shaping boys who understand the value of honesty, respect, and accountability.
The International Day of the Boychild 2026 was more than a celebration, Dr. Hillary’s message was a reminder that when boys are guided with purpose and supported with the right values, they grow into men capable of leading positive change in their families, communities, and the world around them.
Nearly five years after a small group of friends began advocating for the boy child, the message remains as relevant as ever: boys matter, their development matters, and integrity remains one of the strongest foundations upon which their future can be built.
