Comprehending Gen Z + Gen A Returns as Imasuen leads respect, responsibility in Benin

The second edition of Comprehending Gen Z + Gen A with the theme “My Body and Boundaries” held on Friday in Benin City drew wide commendation for its bold approach to youth empowerment, inclusion, and personal safety.

Sponsored by the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Senator Neda Imasuen, the event gathered students, policymakers, and child advocates to discuss the importance of body autonomy, consent, and mutual respect among young people.

In his keynote address, Senator Imasuen said this year’s edition took “a bold step towards inclusion” by addressing both the boy and girl child, stressing that understanding one’s body and personal boundaries was critical to building a just society.

“Our theme ‘My Body and Boundaries’ is not merely a slogan — it is a call to awareness, respect, and responsibility,” he declared. “The girl child must know that her body is hers, not a tool for validation, exploitation, or control. The boy child must equally learn that true strength lies in respect, empathy, and protection, not dominance or entitlement.”

He urged parents, teachers, traditional rulers, and policymakers to work together to nurture a new generation that honours their bodies and respects others.

“When we educate, empower, and protect all our children, we build families that are stable, communities that are peaceful, and a nation that is strong and just,” Imasuen said.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Edo State Office of the First Lady underscored the importance of setting moral and behavioural boundaries in an age where exposure and peer pressure often mislead the youth. She lamented that both boys and girls have fallen victim to sexual assault because of ignorance and lack of awareness.

“Anything that happens without your consent is rape,” she stated. “It doesn’t matter the gender — boys rape boys now, women rape boys, women rape women. Anyone who touches you inappropriately has crossed your boundary, and it is not acceptable.”

She cautioned students against cultism, drug abuse, and indecent dressing, noting that Edo State has strict laws against cult-related activities.

On his part, Dr Osigbovo Eriamiantoe of the University of Benin Health Centre advised young people to take their mental health seriously, warning that substance abuse and cultism were leading triggers of depression and violence.

Representing the Edo State Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Permanent Secretary Iryn Omoroguiwa commended the initiative as a “significant step towards empowering young people” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing safe spaces for youth engagement and personal development.

Impact advocate Dr Owen Omo-Ojo, founder of HIGH Health Consultant, added that setting and defending personal boundaries “is not rudeness but courage, an act of self-awareness and self-respect.”

The event featured a talk show, drama performances, and the presentation of gifts to participating schools. It ended with a resounding message: empowering the younger generation through knowledge, confidence, and respect is the surest path to building a safe and balanced society.