The Boy-Child Needs Attention – Ishola Ninuola
Yes, the ‘boy-child’ needs attention now more than society thinks. Ironically our forefathers and indigenous societies had very elaborate cultural grooming for their children. All of them and especially the boy-child. The ‘Age-grade’ system is elaborately designed to groom them in all spheres. And there are elaborate age-grade ceremonies for the ‘coming of age’. It is an initiation into manhood not unlike the graduation of today. First, every male child is given military training, and is a trained farmer basically. They can then specialise in various fields thereafter; craftsmen, blacksmiths, carpenters, drummer-families (awon Ayan), the native doctors, even with specialisations, etc. In subsequent contacts with foreign cultures, organisations like the boys scouts, boys brigades were specifically designed to groom the boy-child. The clash of cultures has probably changed all that and the emergence of foreign deviants and adulteration of everything (e.g. LGBTQ – whatever that means) has complicated issues. But thank God, an international report recently stated that of all regions of the world, Africa has been the most resistant to this deviation.
I was so proud of Africa when that report surfaced recently. And it was stated in the context of castigating Africa and I thought to myself that I’m still proud of that castigation. That Africa stood out to be ‘different’ made one proud that indeed something good did come out of Africa, even if current powers of the world don’t like it. And Africa is still coming to take its rightful place in the world, because after all, man is thought to originate here in Africa. Yes, Africa shall take its rightful place. It is these our sons and daughters currently in the diaspora that will stretch their hands to their peers remaining in Africa now. And they shall pull up Africa. I prophesy this today, by God’s mighty power!!!
Point is, some young Africans have voluntarily chosen not to emigrate for various reasons. These ones that chose to stay shall also have intangible knowledge they will share with their peers that are coming back, so that both can successfully operate back home here. This has always been our experience. It actually takes boldness to remain in Africa, just as it takes boldness also to return to Africa. But Africa still remains our home.
