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International Men’s Day Symposium: Elizabethan Founder Advocates for Ministry of Men’s Affairs
International Men’s Day Symposium: Elizabethan Founder Advocates for Ministry of Men’s Affairs
By Martin Ogumah
Sahara Weekly Reports That The CEO and Founder of Elizabethan Humanitarian Life (H&H) Foundation, Mrs. Oyinade Samuel-Eluwole, has put forward a strong advocacy to the federal government for the establishment of the Ministry of Men Affairs for the sake of gender balance, equity, and inclusion.
H&H Symposium Speakers on Stage
Mrs. Samuel Eluwole made this call at the Elizabethan Foundation’s International Men’s Day Symposium which took place Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in Lagos. The Symposium was organized as one of the activities to commemorate the International Men’s Day-themed “Zero Male Suicide.”
Speaking at the event, she said, “International Men’s Day is a Day established by the global community to create awareness and to underscore the need to bring to the front burner many issues faced by men, which include but are not limited to suicide, violence, and parental alienation, among others; and this is celebrated annually on November 19th.” She added “The theme emphasizes the six significant pillars of International Men’s Day, which include: To promote male role models. To celebrate the contribution that men make. To focus on men’s health and well-being. To highlight discrimination against men. At Elizabethan, IMD is very important to us because our focus is to intervene for the male gender at all levels. We are focusing on the psychological and emotional frustration of males at all levels because we see males as endangered species.”
The Convener Mrs. Oyiade Samuel-Eluwole with the Panelists
Speaking further the Elizabethan Foundation Boss said that the male gender in Nigeria suffers from lack and neglect and that there is an urgent need to focus on how to attend to them. “We have paid so much attention to the women, the girl-child, and to the female gender generally. This is good and the society and government should do more in that regard. However, we in the Elizabethan Humanitarian Life Foundation, think that society should not neglect men in the process. If you notice, the men and the boy-child in our society, are going through so much pressure based on traditional disposition and societal expectations. Our boys are not expected to cry to express their painful emotions, and our men are expected to shoulder too heavy and too many loads – from taking care of their wives, children, and extended family, and even to the larger society – where they are expected to take the lead in every activity. As a result, most of them go through psychological trauma without notice, and physical emasculation without anyone paying attention.
Consequently, she called for intentional mindfulness of the well-being of our male gender from cradle to old age. According to her, our men, and in fact, the male gender generally, are systematically marginalized. For instance, you have the Ministry of Women Affairs at the federal and state government levels, whereas the Ministry of Men’s Affairs. My Foundation calls on the federal government, state governments, and the local government areas in Nigeria, to be sensitive and hence set up ministries of Men Affairs to also attend to the peculiar needs of the male gender. This is necessary because, today, the world is concerned about diversity, gender equity, and inclusion, DEI. Nigeria should not be left behind in the matters that concern humanity.”
Mrs. Samuel-Eluwole addressing boys and men at the Surulere Outreach
Fielding questions to the press about the Foundation’s other plans for International Men’s Day, she said “Earlier in the week we went for an Outreach around Surulere in Lagos and its environs, where we met and spoke to a lot of abandoned male children who had no one to care for them. It was a very traumatic experience for me. It is so easy for some of us to move ahead with our children or families without caring or paying attention to what is happening to other children, especially the boy child; Or even our aged fathers. Some of them are in a very desolate and pathetic condition. But, we move on. No one cares. But, we, in the Elizabethan Foundation care. That is why we are doing what we are doing.”
H&H Surulere Outreach
Other speakers at the symposium which focused on the theme “Zero Male Suicide” were: Prof. Sola Aletan, an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, at the University of Lagos, Nigeria; Prof. Oyekunle Oyelami, a specialist in Community Development and Social Works Education, at the Faculty of Education, University of Lagos; Ahmad Ibrahim Sajoh, an activist, a Journalist, a Public Relations Practitioner, an Administrator and a renown Public Affairs Analyst. Currently, he is the Executive Director/CEO of FutureNow Initiative, an NGO based in Abuja; Prof. Omoniyi Kayode Yemitan, the Dean of, the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, and Sports Director, of Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos; and Prof Emevwo Biakolo, the founding Dean of Media and Communication Pan-Atlantic University, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
Joko Okupe, Making a Point
The event which was moderated by Mr. Joko Okupe, an accomplished brand management and marketing communication expert, who is also the founder of Mindshift Advocacy for Development Initiative, got the participants and the general audience – both those on the ground psychically, and those who joined online – agitated and reflective, as so many salient issues concerning the male gender from cradle to old age were raised and discussed, including the fundamental issue of men suicide.
The Lagos State Government, in its continued effort to promote cultural heritage and deepen tourism footprints, has concluded plans to host the Lagos Cultural Weekend.
A three-day cultural extravaganza, scheduled to take place across multiple strategic locations, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Freedom Park, National Theatre, Badagry Heritage Museum, Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and Tafawa Balewa Square, from November 14th to November 16th, 2025.
This weekend-long celebration will spotlight the richness of Nigeria’s traditions through curated events that blend history, culture, and local artistry.
Speaking on the initiative, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, noted that the event is a key part of a broader framework of the Lagos Cultural Mission.
“We aim to use the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a true reflection of Lagos culture, a herescope for tourists and visitors from across the globe to witness just how rich our culture is.
“The three days will be a cultural baptism, a deep, meaningful introduction to who we are. As a government, we now understand prioritising cultural representation as a driver for economic growth.
”On the initiative’s impact, the Special Adviser explained that it goes beyond showcasing culture, but investing in cultural artisans, talented enthusiasts, and key stakeholders to foster real engagement and growth.“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration values collaboration and inclusiveness, which is why we want to work closely with Lagosians who truly understand our culture to help us achieve these goals.
“From the historians, to creatives, curators, artisans, culinary experts, performers, fashion designers, community leaders, and traditional institutions, we need them to join us in making a lasting impact.“So that, in the end, our guests and friends from many nations will carry home an authentic story of Lagos and enriched cultural literacy,” Mr. Aregbe said.
Attendees will enjoy array of activities, including live music performances, DIY sessions, contemporary art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, fashion shows, culinary tastings, and craft demonstrations.
Also lined up are symposiums and cultural lectures designed for tourists and enthusiasts who wish to dive deeper into the Lagos cultural identity.
The weekend will be animated by diverse local performance groups representing the rich ethnic landscape of Lagos, with a special emphasis on language, literature, and indigenous storytelling.
Lagos Cultural Weekend 2025 reaffirms the state’s commitment to building a thriving creative economy while celebrating the depth of Nigerian traditions.
Through strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and community engagement, this initiative will set a new benchmark for inclusive cultural programming in Lagos and Africa at large.
Lagos Cultural Mission….Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing The Future
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
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