Over 500 boys gathered at Osadenis Mixed Secondary School in Asaba on Friday, May 16, for the All Boys Conference organized by the King’s Court Mentorship Program — a bold and timely intervention in commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child aimed at redefining what it means to grow up male in today’s Nigeria. Themed “Shift,” the event provided a platform to reorient boys toward self-awareness, discipline, and purposeful living.
Spearheaded by Frank Chukwuebuka Clinton, Coordinator of the King’s Court Mentorship Program, the conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Sir Raymond Ewere Onwugbenu (PHF, KSJI), Hon. Amb. Onyedikachi Odogwu, and SP Edafe Bright, Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command. Each addressed the gathering with candor and urgency, touching on issues such as drug abuse, internet fraud, peer pressure, and leadership.
“Greatness doesn’t just happen; it takes a shift,” said Sir Raymond Ewere Onwugbenu (PHF, KSJI) in his key
Sir Raymond Ewere Onwugbenu (PHF, KSJI)
note address. He encouraged the boys to “stay focused, set goals, and remind yourself daily — this is who I’m becoming.” He challenged them to walk in self-awareness and resilience, declaring, “The true test of a man is not in how many times he falls but how many times he gets up, stands tall and keeps going.”
Hon. Onyedikachi Odogwu, addressing the leadership crisis among young males, reminded attendees that “it is not
Hon. Amb. Onyedikachi Odogwu
too early for you to lead,” and urged them to develop a distinct sense of self. “Everybody will not be a content creator. As a young boy, you must first discover yourself,” he said. “A leader does not walk away from problems; he solves them.”
SP Edafe Bright’s session was a no-holds-barred conversation on crime, safety, and personal health. He urged the boys to reject destructive behaviors such as
SP Edafe Bright, PPRO, Delta State Command
drug abuse and internet fraud. “Say no to drug abuse,” he warned. “Rehab or Uselu, where they treat mad people, is where you’ll end up if you abuse drugs.” He added, “Police is there to keep law-abiding citizens safe; police is your friend.”
One of the most powerful statements of the day came from the program’s organizer. “When people say boys are easy to train,” said Frank Chukwuebuka Clinton, “whereas what they mean is, boys are easy to neglect.” His words underscored the reason behind the conference — a deliberate effort to intervene, guide, and mentor boys before society’s silence swallows them.
The conference also featured a panel of experts, including Dr. Adegbulu Daniel, Mrs. Ebere Ajufo, Pastor Nkemdiniru Henry, Isioma Betssy Kawekwune, and Pastor Emmanuel Nwadiashi. Discussions centered on the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being of the boy child in a society that often overlooks him.
Several boys were recognized and rewarded for excellence, discipline, and participation. Cash prizes of ₦5,000 each were given to six students by SP Edafe Bright: Agu Abass Divine, George Chibuike Godwill, Anigbata Chiemelie, Akware Fortune, Igwedinma Emmanuel, and Opone Chiwete Victor — who received ₦10,000. Billy Francis received a ₦50,000 scholarship fund, which was handed directly to his mother in an emotional moment. Additionally, Ossai Okwuchukwu Emmanuel and Frank Clinton each awarded ₦3,000 to boys who performed exceptionally in a spirited dance contest.
Present at the event were teachers, NGO founders, clergy, law enforcement officers, and entrepreneurs such as Mrs. Chukwunonso Erokwu, popularly known as SellUrMarket, whose presence further motivated the boys to dream beyond limits.
The conference was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Evangelist Mrs. Aguonye Pat, Rev. Chaplain Frank Oparawhyte JP, Pastor Isaiah Aganagana, Abraham Uchenna, Kesniel Ogoejiofor, Frank_Talks Media, Director David Arogundade, Ossai Emmanuel, Etiz Interiors, Oparawhyte, SellUrMarket, and Mr. Ifeoluwa Samuel.
As the event came to a close, the message was clear: the boy child deserves attention, direction, and a voice. The King’s Court Mentorship Programtyle=”font-weight: 400;”> is committed to ensuring he gets all three beyond the International Day of the Boy Child event.
A cross section of the invited guests.
School Staff and Invited Guests
