The Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor, organized a colourful event in Umuahia to commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child.
The celebration brought together government officials, educators, traditional rulers, students, and other stakeholders to advocate for the empowerment, protection, and holistic development of the boy child.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, emphasized that while significant attention has rightly been given to the girl child over the years, it is equally important to invest in the boy child to raise productive, responsible, and purpose-driven men.
She stressed the need to nurture boys who are intelligent, morally upright, and capable of becoming responsible husbands, fathers, and leaders. According to her, true strength lies not in aggression but in character, discipline, and integrity.
Dr. Aghukwa further called for increased opportunities in skills acquisition, mentorship, education, and personal development to enable boys to excel and contribute meaningfully to society.
Representing the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the Wife of the Deputy Governor described the celebration as a landmark initiative that reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive child development.
She noted that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Empowering Boys for a Balanced Future,” is both timely and relevant, considering the numerous challenges confronting young boys today, including negative social influences, substance abuse, and violence.
Addressing the boys, she encouraged them to believe in themselves, dream big, work hard, and never underestimate their potential.
She assured them of the continued commitment of the Governor’s wife to the welfare, protection, education, and holistic development of all children in Abia State, regardless of gender.
She also urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to raise boys who are confident without violence, strong without cruelty, resourceful without selfishness, and successful without compromising their values.
In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Sir Kelechukwu Nwosu, stated that training and empowering the boy child is crucial to societal growth and development.
He observed that many social vices, including cybercrime, drug abuse, armed robbery, and other criminal activities, stem from the neglect of the boy child. He stressed the need to provide boys with quality education, moral guidance, and skills development opportunities.
Nwosu also highlighted Governor Dr. Alex Otti’s reforms in the education sector, including the recruitment of 10,000 teachers and the allocation of 20 percent of the state’s budget to education, describing the initiatives as significant investments in the future of Abia children.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme, “Empowering the Boy Child for a Balanced Future,” Pastor Ogbonna Samuel of the Living Word ministries described a boy child as “a male child being raised to become a responsible father.”
He stated that every boy carries seeds of greatness and should never be neglected, warning that continued neglect could have far-reaching consequences for society.
According to him, education remains the most effective tool for empowering boys, helping them understand their rights, responsibilities, and place in society.
Pastor Samuel also highlighted the challenges associated with toxic notions of masculinity, where boys are often told to suppress their emotions and face life’s challenges alone.
He advocated giving equal value and opportunities to both boys and girls, stressing that a balanced society can only be achieved when no child is neglected.
He maintained that proper training and moral upbringing of boys would significantly reduce crime rates, noting that many perpetrators of crimes such as armed robbery, internet fraud, and drug abuse are male youths who lacked proper guidance and support.
The cleric emphasized that the responsibility of raising responsible boys rests on families, schools, religious institutions, and society as a whole.
The event also featured several competitions among participating schools.
In the Spelling Bee Competition, Intellectual Giants Christian Academy emerged winner with six points, while Government College Umuahia finished as runner-up with five points. Other participating schools included Trailblazers Academy and Ndume Otuka Secondary School.
In the Quiz Competition, Mayfair Academy emerged winner with five points, Ibeku High School came second with four points, while Government College Umuahia secured third place with three points.
For the Tongue Twister (Okwu Ntabire) Competition, Amuzukwu Secondary School emerged victorious.
Schools that emerged victorious in the various competitions were presented with a learning pad, a dictionary, and a cash prize of ₦30,000 for their school libraries.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Ogechi Betty Oguama; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere; wives of mayors from across the state, traditional rulers, political appointees, and other stakeholders.
Highlights of the celebration included cultural dance displays, thrilling Ohafia War Dance performances, and musical renditions by participating schools, all of which entertained guests and added colour to the occasion.
The event concluded with a renewed call on parents, educators, and policymakers to invest in the boy child, recognizing his vital role in building a balanced, peaceful, and prosperous society.
