Honorable Temitope Adewale, the representative for Ifako Ijaiye Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, has moved a motion calling for the establishment of a Ministry of Men Affairs in Lagos State. The motion, which received widespread support from fellow lawmakers, aims to address the growing challenges faced by men, particularly in areas such as mental health, economic empowerment, and family responsibilities.
In presenting the motion, Adewale emphasized the importance of providing tailored support systems to address the unique pressures and challenges that men face in today’s society. He highlighted that, while much focus has been placed on women’s issues, men also require dedicated structures to help them navigate the complexities of modern life. “Just as women have ministries and agencies dedicated to their welfare, it is time that we also recognize the need for a specialized framework to address the needs of men,” Adewale said.
The proposed Ministry of Men Affairs would focus on several key areas, including mental health initiatives, programs for economic empowerment, and support for men in balancing family life and societal expectations. Adewale pointed out that men, especially in urban settings like Lagos, face a multitude of pressures, including the burden of financial responsibilities, societal expectations of masculinity, and limited access to mental health services.
Several other lawmakers voiced their support for the motion, with some noting that the creation of such a ministry could contribute to reducing the stigma around mental health among men and promote more inclusive policies that benefit all citizens. The motion has sparked a broader conversation about gender-specific policies and how they can help address the needs of both men and women in society.
If the motion is passed, the Ministry of Men Affairs would be tasked with designing programs and policies that specifically cater to the well-being of men in Lagos State, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive in various aspects of their lives.
