As part of activities marking the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Mastermind Community Foundation, held a Smart Teens’ Workshop aimed at nurturing emotional and social intelligence among teenagers.
EpeInsights learnt that the workshop, which drew participation from over 200 students across five public secondary schools in Education District II, took place at the Immaculate Heart Comprehensive Senior High School Hall in Maryland, Lagos.
The event followed a formal flag-off on Tuesday, May 20, at the Education Resource Centre (ERC), Ojodu-Berger.
With the theme “Emotional and Social Intelligence: Key Life Skills for Today’s Teens,” the programme focused on equipping students with the tools to better understand themselves and others, an essential foundation for personal growth and societal contribution.
Mrs. Bolanle Adeniyi, Director of Guidance and Counselling for the district, underscored the importance of developing these skills early. “Emotional and social intelligence are vital life skills that help students navigate their lifelong journey,” she said.
“Addressing societal issues from the foundation means instilling empathy, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making in our young ones.”
Mr. Adeyemi Adebayo, a retired Director from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, also addressed the students, stressing that academic excellence alone is not enough.
“Skills like empathy, self-awareness, resilience, and relationship management are equally critical in navigating adulthood,” he noted.
Founder of the Mastermind Community Foundation, Mrs. Vivian Oghene Abraham, spoke on the link between societal challenges and a lack of emotional development in early life.
“Bullying, domestic violence, drug abuse, and even banditry are on the rise,” she said. “We believe that many violent and corrupt individuals are products of poor upbringing and lack of emotional guidance.”
She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to shaping responsible youth in alignment with the Lagos State Government’s development goals. “By catching them young, we can shape emotionally balanced, responsible, and compassionate individuals,” she added.
The event featured a mix of education and entertainment, including interactive sessions, film screenings, dance performances, games, and gift distribution to participating students.
