A new chapter in public discourse and citizen engagement is set to unfold on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with the debut of Boiling Point Extra, a special edition of the widely acclaimed Boiling Point Arena, focusing on one of Nigeria's most pressing national concerns — the safety of school children.
The maiden edition of the programme will examine the theme: "Securing the Classroom: Combating School Kidnappings and Safeguarding Nigeria's Future."
Scheduled to hold via Zoom from 8pm over a two-hour duration, the discourse will also be broadcast live on multiple radio stations across Nigeria, enabling audiences from different parts of the country to participate in the conversation.
According to the organisers, the emergence of Boiling Point Extra is a response to growing public demand for more frequent engagements on critical national issues beyond the regular monthly schedule of Boiling Point Arena, which has successfully hosted over 44 editions and holds every second Sunday of the month.
Speaking on the rationale behind the initiative, the Promoter of the platform, Ayo Arowojolu, a veteran broadcaster and seasoned media professional, explained that many corporate organisations, institutions and public affairs enthusiasts have continued to express admiration for the programme's unique hybrid media model, which combines physical participation, virtual interaction and extensive radio broadcast reach.
Arowojolu noted that the overwhelming interest from stakeholders who value the public sphere concept championed by Boiling Point Arena has made it imperative to create an additional platform capable of responding swiftly to emerging issues of national importance.
"Boiling Point Extra is demand-driven. It is designed to provide a timely platform for robust conversations whenever critical issues arise and cannot wait for the next monthly edition of Boiling Point Arena.
"We have received numerous requests from organisations and concerned Nigerians who desire more frequent engagement on matters affecting our nation. This initiative is our response to that yearning," Arowojolu said.
The maiden conversation comes against the backdrop of recurring incidents of school kidnappings and abductions across parts of Nigeria, a development that has continued to threaten access to education, heighten fears among parents and communities, and raise questions about the country's security architecture.
Lined up as Guests/Discussants are two foremost security experts, Col. Lawrence Owosheni, retired former Assistant Commandant-General, National Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mrs Awosusi, Communication, Strategy and Development Consultant, Mr Yinka Quadri and a veteran broadcaster and retired Director, Nigeria Television Authority, Mr Yemi Akintunde.
The quartet are expected to explore practical strategies for protecting primary and secondary schools in Nigeria, preventing abductions, strengthening intelligence gathering and ensuring a safer learning environment for Nigerian children.
First to key into the emerging opportunity is the National Association of Seadogs(NAS) which is promoting this particular discourse as part of the organization's mission to stimulate informed discourse, galvanize public participation and promote solutions capable of resolving the myriads of problems bedeviling Nigeria.
Organisers say the programme will also provide an opportunity for citizens to contribute ideas and recommendations toward ending the scourge of school kidnappings and restoring confidence in the nation's educational system.
Participation in the Zoom session is open to interested members of the public, while millions of listeners are expected to follow proceedings through the various partner radio stations that will relay the event live.
Among the partner radio stations are WASH 94.9FM, Lagos, Sweet 107.1FM, Abeokuta, Roots 97.1FM, Abeokuta, Erimbe 94.7FM, Shagamu, Women Radio 91.7FM, Mowe, Opera Tune 106.3FM, Abeokuta, and Kruzz 92.9FM, Asaba, Delta State alongside a cable television station, NSTV, on GOtv Channel.
With its blend of intellectual engagement, policy dialogue and broad-based public participation, Boiling Point Extra is expected to further consolidate the reputation of the Boiling Point platform as one of Nigeria's leading forums for informed national conversations.
Frontline traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola, is expected as Chairman and keynote speaker to herald the discourse.
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