Abia First Lady Calls for Renewed Commitment to protection, mentorship, empowerment of the Boy Child

The Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has called for renewed commitment to the protection, mentorship, and empowerment of the Boy Child in the state and Nigeria.

Mrs Otti spoke at an event, to mark the International Day of the Boy Child, organised by her office in partnership with the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

She emphasized the need to build self-esteem and resilience in boys, urging stakeholders to “stand up, be heard, be seen” for the future of the male child.

She highlighted the critical role parents, guardians, and mentors play in shaping confident and emotionally intelligent boys, and advocated for an environment where boys feel safe, seen, and supported, and where their emotions and achievements are respected and celebrated.

She said: “To build their self-esteem, we must create an environment that listens to their voices, validates their emotions, and celebrates their achievements.”

“As parents, guardians, and mentors, we play a vital role in shaping who they become. We must model positive behaviour, offer constructive feedback, and provide unconditional love and support.”

The Governor’s wife noted that the government has successfully domesticated the Child’s Rights Act and is actively implementing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, to provide strong legal protection against abuse, exploitation, and violence.

“These laws send a clear message: every child matters – every boy deserves safety, dignity, and a future.”

The First Lady announced that a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) will soon be commissioned in Aba, in partnership with the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme.

“This facility will serve as a safe space for survivors of sexual abuse—including boys, who are often overlooked or silenced. The centre will offer free medical, psychosocial, and legal support, bringing us closer to our goal of justice and healing for every child in distress.”

Mrs. Otti also addressed the socio-economic struggles many boys face, in the society, often driven by poverty and lack of opportunity, and called for multifaceted interventions.

“As a government and as a people, we must address the root causes of these challenges through education, family support, skills acquisition, and structured mentorship.”

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, said the event marks a significant milestone in recognition and addressing the unique needs, potentials and challenges faced by the boy child who is vital to the future development of the society.

Mrs Aghukwa enjoined all to renew their pledge to nurture the boys of Abia State into confident, disciplined and compassionate individuals, prepared to contribute meaningfully to the state.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, represented by Special Adviser to the Governor, on Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, called for an education system that marries intellect with empathy, and one that integrates counselling and mentorship into core curricula

In a key note address, a media practitioner, Lady Christy Michael, charged the boys to always focus on their efforts more than their results, advising them further to guide against friends who would talk down on them inorder to lower their self esteem.

This theme for this year’s event is “Building Self-Esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,” which featured quiz competition, drama, dance display, prize-giving as well as goodwill messages from major stakeholders.