By Ebere Agozie
Mr Afam Okeke, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja (Unity Bar) says raising the boy-child into responsible adult man will help curb gender and domestic violence in the country.
Okeke stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) on Saturday in Abuja in commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the Boy-Child.
The day is observed annually on May 16 to highlight the unique challenges boys face. This year’s theme is ‘Flourish and Thrive: Investing in Boys for Stronger Families and Communities’.
This year’s observance draws attention to a vital conversation, the need to intentionally invest in the growth, wellbeing, and future of the boy child.
It is also to celebrate the positive community contributions and advocate for proper mentorship, emotional well-being, and safe spaces for boys to thrive into responsible men.
Okeke reiterated that fostering emotional intelligence, promoting gender equality, encouraging domestic responsibility and building strong character will reduce gender-based violence and promote healthy relationships.
He said that ”when boys are properly guided, supported, and empowered, they grow into responsible men who contribute positively to the society.”
According to him, the challenges of domestic, sexual and social violence will become easier to prosecute and win if the boy-child is fully involved.
“Beyond academics and success, there is a growing need to address emotional and health mentorship, and value based upbringing of the boy-child.
“Strength is not just physical; it is also emotional intelligence, discipline and character.
“As a society, we must be intentional about raising boys who are confident, responsible, respectful, and equipped to lead with integrity.’’
He, therefore, called for a gender-balanced society through the championing of the boy-child initiatives that entrench the right values in boys, and ultimately ensure a better society.
“Boys are often taught to hide their feelings. Teaching them to safely express and regulate their emotions builds healthier mental health and reduces aggression.
“When boys are taught to respect women and girls as equals from a young age, it actively builds healthy relationships even in disagreements.
“Also teaching boys basic life and household skills will ensure they become true partners in their future homes, rather than leaving domestic duties solely to women.’’
He added that instilling morals, accountability, and empathy shapes boys into community leaders who value fairness, justice, and collaboration over dominance.
Okeke berated the cultural inclinations which had downplayed issues affecting the boy-child, and stressed the need to cater for him.
“We perceive the boy-child as being strong and resilient, thereby paying little or no attention to issues affecting male children.
“There is a need to beam our searchlight on the challenges that boys silently contend with, and proffer workable as well as actionable solutions.
“We all have to build a new generation of transformed male children who will contribute positively to the society.
“The future we desire begins with the boys we raise today,’’ he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
