IDBC: NGO advocates for collective efforts in mentoring Boy Child in Kogi

A Non-Governmental Organization,

Concerned Youths and Teens Forum of Nigeria (CONYOUTH) has called for collective efforts from stakeholders across board in mentoring the Boy Child for a sustainable future in Nigeria.

The founder of the organization, Barr. Joy Oluwaseun Akinola stated this on the sideline of this year's International Day of the boy child with the theme “Building Self-Esteem in Boys: Speak up, Be heard, Be seen" held at St Clement Minor Seminary Lokoja.

Akinola averred the Boy Child over the years have been facing a lot of challenges hence the need for them to be given the desired attention in securing their place in the society.

She lamented that much attention is not being given globally in the celebration of the International day of the Boy Child stressing that, emphasis is placed on Girls and Women which is negating the campaign for inclusivity across gender.

The Legal Practitioner said "On the International Day of the Boy Child, we take a moment to reflect on the unique challenges boys and young men face and the urgent need to support their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

"As they grow, boys are often surrounded by societal norms that equate masculinity with silence, emotional suppression, and self-reliance at all cost. These expectations can isolate boys, discourage them from seeking help, and limit their ability to express emotions in healthy ways.

"It is essential that we actively promote positive, strength-based norms that foster emotional awareness, encourage help-seeking behaviours, and redefine self-reliance as knowing when and how to reach out. 

"At the same time, we must challenge and dismantle harmful male stereotypes that not only impact the individual but also contribute to broader issues like substance use, interpersonal violence, and gender-based violence".

"It is on this premise that my organization has decided to come and celebrate male Students here in St Clement Minor Seminary. The world must acknowledge the challenges the Boy child are facing in the society and the need for a collective effort to address them. We are raising awareness about this so that government can key in and ensure that the Boy Child is protected in the society".

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Barr. Akinola charged the Boy Child to stand up to contribute their own quota for the betterment of the society and not be part of the problem confronting the nation.

In his presentation, the guest Speaker, John Samuel, from the Social Welfare Unit, Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja argued that positive role models can help Boys understand that they don't need to conform to the rigid masculine ideals.

" They should feel free to explore their interests and express themselves authentically. Teaching boys about respect, consent, and equality in relationships from a young age is vital in preventing gender-based violence and fostering healthy partnerships. 

"Just like girls, boys need supportive environments, mentorship, and guidance to navigate the challenges of growing up. Addressing issues like peer pressure, academic stress, and mental health is crucial. 

"We should ensure that boys have access to quality education and diverse opportunities that allow them to develop their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. 

"The “power" of a boy child in today's world isn't about inherent dominance but rather the potential for positive change and contribution when they are nurtured, supported, and empowered to develop into well-rounded, emotionally intelligent, and respectful individuals.

" Recognizing and fostering this potential is crucial for the well-being of boys themselves and for creating a more equitable and thriving society for all"he stated.

Earlier, the Rector, St Clement Minor Seminary Rev. Fr. Alfred Richard Ayodeji commended the organizer of the program noting that this will translate in the transformation of the Boy Child for a better tomorrow.

According to him "Today is a special day and it is amazing that the Boys are remembered on this day especially as it is very easy to forget them being Male. 

"We are in a world that believes the Boy Child should be fine even though they are not. We should stop playing down the Boy Child. They should be very free to express their true feelings and emotions whenever they feel offended".

The International day of the Boy Child which is celebrated annually on 16th May was first observed in 2018.

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