International Boy Child Day: Mrs Otti Advocates Equal Opportunities, Responsible Leadership for Boys

Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has called for greater support and equal opportunities for both boys and girls, saying a balanced and progressive society can only be achieved when every child is given the chance to thrive.

Mrs Otti stated this in Umuahia during the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child, organised by the office of the first lady of Abia State in collaboration with the State Ministry of Women Affairs themed “Empowering Boys for a Balanced Future.”

The Governor’s wife represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu said while significant efforts have been made to empower the girl child, it is equally important to pay attention to the development of boys, who also face unique social and emotional challenges.

“A balanced society can only emerge when both boys and girls are given equal opportunities to thrive. The future we deserve requires raising confident girls and responsible boys who understand the values of respect, integrity, empathy, hard work and leadership,” she said.

The Abia First Lady noted that the maiden celebration of the International Day of the Boy Child in Abia State last year underscored the government’s commitment to inclusive child development and ensuring that no child is left behind.

Speaking directly to the boys, Mrs Otti encouraged them to remain focused, believe in their abilities and build a future anchored on good character and hard work.

The First Lady assured that her office would continue to champion programmes and initiatives aimed at the welfare, protection, education and overall development of children across the state, regardless of gender.

She also urged parents, teachers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to intentionally raise boys who are confident, disciplined and guided by strong moral values.

“Raise a generation of boys who are confident without arrogance, strong without violence, ambitious without selfishness and successful without compromising their values,” she said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, described the celebration as an opportunity to recognise, appreciate and invest in the boy child.

Aghukwa said the theme of the event highlighted the need to raise boys who are emotionally intelligent, respectful, disciplined and purpose-driven.

“We must teach our boys that true strength lies not in aggression but in character, not in domination but in responsibility, not in entitlement but in service,” Aghukwa stated.

The commissioner noted that many boys face challenges such as negative peer influence, substance abuse, violence, poor mentorship and the pressures of a rapidly changing society.

She stressed the need for deliberate investments in mentorship, education, skills development and positive engagement to help them realise their full potential.

In a goodwill message, Barr Oby Nwosu a representative of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abia State Branch, said empowering boys is essential to building a just, inclusive and balanced society.

She called on families, schools, communities and institutions to work together in raising boys who are responsible, compassionate and socially conscious.

In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Ogechi Becky Oguama, expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti, his wife Mrs. Priscilla Otti, development partners, participating schools and other stakeholders for their support towards the success of the event.

She urged stakeholders to sustain efforts aimed at mentoring and empowering boys to become responsible and productive members of society.

The event featured debate, spelling and quiz competitions among participating schools, as well as presentations by students, while outstanding schools and participants were rewarded with gifts and cash prizes in recognition of their performances.