ABIA FIRST LADY ADVOCATES EMPOWERMENT, PROTECTION FOR BOYS ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE BOY CHILD

The First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has called for increased efforts in the protection, mentorship, and empowerment of the boy child in the state and across Nigeria.

She made the call in Umuahia during an event to mark the International Day of the Boy Child, organized by her office in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs.

Speaking on the theme, “Building Self-Esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen”, Mrs. Otti stressed the need to build confidence and resilience in boys and address the emotional and social challenges they face.

She noted that boys today are confronted with peer pressure, societal expectations, negative media influences, and a general lack of attention to their emotional wellbeing.

“Our boys are not just tomorrow’s leaders; they are today’s heroes,” she said, adding that the words and support given to boys have lasting impacts on their development.

Mrs. Otti emphasized the importance of safe and supportive environments where boys feel seen and heard. She reiterated the state government’s commitment to child welfare, highlighting the domestication of the Child’s Rights Act and ongoing implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

She also announced the forthcoming commissioning of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Aba, in partnership with the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme. The centre will provide medical, psycho-social, and legal support to survivors of abuse, including boys.

Mrs. Otti addressed the socio-economic challenges facing boys, such as child labour, drug abuse, and gang involvement, and called for multifaceted interventions including education, skill acquisition, and structured mentorship programs.

She stressed the need for positive male role models to guide boys toward a life of integrity, discipline, and purpose.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, described the event as the first official celebration of the Boy Child Day in Abia State. She commended the Governor’s wife for prioritizing the development of the male child and called on stakeholders to support the cause.

In a keynote address, media practitioner Lady Christy Michael spoke on the importance of self-esteem and advised the boys to focus on personal effort and stay away from negative peer influences.

The event concluded with a message from Mrs. Otti to boys across the state: “You are valued. You are loved. You are capable of greatness. Stand tall. Speak up. Be seen.”