MarBen Foundation Reaches Over 700 Boys Through Mentorship Initiative, Calls for Greater Investment in Boy-Child Development

As concerns continue to grow over rising cases of drug abuse, cybercrime, negative peer influence, school disengagement, and the absence of positive male role models among young boys, stakeholders are calling for more intentional investments in programmes that support the healthy development of adolescent boys.

In response to these challenges, MarBen Foundation recently concluded the maiden edition of the BroCode Conference, a mentorship and leadership initiative designed to equip boys with the values, life skills, and guidance needed to navigate adolescence and become responsible men.

Held on June 13, 2026, in Jalingo, Taraba State, the conference brought together more than 230 boys from participating schools across the state and marked the culmination of the six-week BroCode School Tour, which reached over 720 boys in 19 secondary schools. The initiative received partial support from TY Danjuma Foundation, whose contribution helped strengthen efforts to provide mentorship and life-skills education for adolescent boys.

The initiative was implemented under the theme, “Intentional Bro: Raising Responsible Men,” and created a platform for mentorship, learning, leadership development, and meaningful conversations around issues affecting adolescent boys.

According to the organisers, the BroCode Initiative was developed in response to growing concerns about the challenges confronting young boys today, including substance abuse, cybercrime, harmful notions of masculinity, poor educational motivation, peer pressure, and limited access to positive male mentors.

To address these issues, participants engaged with the BroCode Mentorship Guide, a specially developed resource covering topics such as self-awareness, self-leadership, financial literacy, cybercrime awareness, sexual health, responsible decision-making, and navigating peer influence.

Throughout the school tour and conference, boys were encouraged to ask questions, share concerns, and participate in discussions designed to help them build confidence, make informed choices, and develop positive attitudes towards leadership and personal responsibility.

One of the highlights of the conference was the Father Mentorship Circle, which connected participants with more than 30 carefully selected mentors drawn from different professions and sectors.

The mentors engaged participants in small-group conversations, sharing personal experiences, lessons learned, and practical advice on education, career development, leadership, relationships, and life.

For many participants, it was their first opportunity to engage directly with positive male role models in such a personal and interactive setting.

A student from Government Day Secondary School, Kofai, described the experience as transformational.

“I loved the small group discussion. I got to ask specific questions and learned a lot from my father mentor. He shared his story of starting primary school at the age of 16 and how determination and focus helped him succeed. His story inspired me to never give up on my dreams,” he said.

At the end of the programme, participants received certificates of completion and were inducted as BroCode Ambassadors.

The ambassadors are expected to continue promoting positive values and peer mentorship within their schools and communities, helping to extend the impact of the initiative beyond the conference itself.

Speaking at the event, one of the Father Mentors commended the programme and emphasized the importance of supporting boys during their formative years.

“This programme is very good. The vision is valid. Today, we have sown seeds into these boys. I believe that through them, we have a brighter future as a country and as a state. There is hope,” he said.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Executive Director of MarBen Foundation, Dorcas Elisha, noted that the programme was created to bridge the growing mentorship gap affecting many boys.

“We want to intentionally connect boys with positive role models and mentors. We cannot leave their development to chance,” she said.

“There is so much happening with boys today, from drug abuse and cybercrime to negative peer influences. If we fail our boys, we fail future generations. These boys will become fathers, husbands, professionals, and community leaders tomorrow. That is why this work is important.”

Elisha further described BroCode as more than a conference, noting that it is a growing movement committed to creating safe spaces where boys can access mentorship, guidance, leadership development, and opportunities for personal growth.

Following the success of the maiden edition, MarBen Foundation has called on government agencies, schools, faith-based institutions, corporate organisations, development partners, and community leaders to support the expansion of the initiative.

According to the Foundation, addressing the challenges facing boys requires collective action and sustained investment in mentorship, life skills education, and positive male engagement.

MarBen Foundation is a nonprofit organisation committed to promoting quality, inclusive, and equitable education while empowering children and young people through mentorship, leadership development, digital literacy, skills acquisition, and community-based interventions.

Through initiatives such as BroCode, the organisation hopes to contribute to raising a generation of responsible, confident, and purpose-driven young men who will positively influence their families, communities, and society.