By Julian Osamoto
Stakeholders have called for balanced policies and stronger support systems for the boy child, as students, educators and advocacy groups marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child at Federal Government Boys College (FGBC), Wuye, Abuja.
The event, titled PROJECT-18 Initiative, organised by ORAMALI Foundation in partnership with Wiki Club FGBC and Women Inspire Africa at Federal Government Boys College, has the theme: “Let’s Together Raise the Boys of Today Who Will Become the Men of Tomorrow.”
Child Development
Convener of the programme, Oby Ezeilo, a senior staff member of Federal Government Boys College and Organiser of Igbo institute, said the initiative became necessary because discussions around child development often focus more on girls.
“We all know about International Day of the Boy Child, so I decided to partner with Oramali Foundation and Women Inspire Africa to celebrate the day because there are so many policies on the girl child, but nobody is talking about the boy child,” she said.
Ezeilo explained that hosting the programme in the school would allow students to benefit directly from mentorship and counselling activities.
She said the event included football matches, talks on overcoming challenges facing boys, dance competitions and the distribution of gifts donated by partner organisations.
Calling for policy reforms, she urged government at all levels to pay equal attention to boys and girls.
“The way they are passing policies about the girl child, they should equally pass policies about the boy child. There should be a balance. It doesn’t have to be one-sided,” she noted.
Committed to Positive Values.
Executive Director of ORAMALI Foundation, Chidima Oramali, advised the students to obey their teachers and parents and remain committed to positive values.
“We love you and we want the best for you, but you need to help us by doing what you’re supposed to do. Read your books. Love your neighbour as yourself,” she said.
She encouraged the boys to show responsibility both at home and in school by always doing the right thing without waiting to be instructed.
Oramali also promised that the foundation would return in 2027 with a bigger edition of the programme.
Women Inspire Africa
President of Women Inspire Africa, Ambassador Tina Kenechukwu, emphasised that the society must stop neglecting emotional and moral development of boys. “The society focuses so much on the girl child, while little or nothing is said about the boy child,” she said.
According to her, many social problems, including violence and kidnapping, can be linked to poor upbringing and lack of mentorship among boys.
“We need to train them through the path of leadership, emotional intelligence and mentorship because if a boy child is not properly trained, society is still not balanced,” she said.
Ambassador Kenechukwu stressed that parenting should not be left to mothers alone, adding that fathers, teachers, religious institutions and society all have roles to play in raising responsible children. “Parenting is everybody’s business,” she added.
No Emotional Support
An optometrist, David Nwandu, said many boys grow up without the guidance and emotional support often provided to girls.
“When you talk about the boy child and the challenges of the boy child, people assume the boy child should know everything,” he said.
Nwandu encouraged the students to remain focused, build self-confidence and avoid examination malpractice. “It is better to fail honourably than to cheat because self-confidence is built by deciding to write what you know,” he said.
He also urged the students not to give up in the face of failure, stressing that persistence and discipline remain key to success. “You don’t fail until you quit. If you fail, you try again,” he said.
Principal Appreciated Organisers
Principal of Federal Government Boys College, Ogunsina Joshua, commended the organisers for investing in the future of the students.
“I have very wonderful students. Yes, they are boys, but they are good, humble and obedient. We can count on this one that tomorrow will be better for Nigeria,” he said.
He assured the organisers of the school’s readiness to support advocacy programmes that promote positive development among students.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Solomon Amaku thanked the organisers for recognising and encouraging boys. “We thank them for encouraging boys on what they are supposed to do and being better men in the future,” he stated.
The event featured football matches, mentorship talks, dance competitions and the presentation of gifts including Bibles, water bottles and writing materials to outstanding students who distinguished themselves through good conduct and academic excellence.
