The International Day of the Boy Child was commemorated with a profound event focused on the health and well-being of male children. Hosted at Acquinas College Akure in collaboration with Jekaturo and Marie Stopes International, the event aimed to enlighten young boys about their health and overall well-being.
The event commenced at 11 am with an opening address by Mr. Emeka, followed by the recitation of the national anthem. Mr. Dotun from MSI delivered an empowering message, urging the boys to celebrate themselves and emphasizing the importance of building self-esteem. He encouraged the boys to break the societal norm of keeping emotions and struggles to themselves, highlighting the significance of speaking up about their health and experiences, including instances of bullying.
Furthermore, Mr. Dotun emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for their future and choosing positive role models to guide their lives. Mr. Saheed addressed the immense societal and familial pressures placed on boys, highlighting the potential mental impact. He also discussed the dangers of drug abuse, sharing a poignant story to deter the boys from falling into the trap of addiction.
Mr. Emmanuel sensitized the students on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), defining violence as unnecessary harassment and emphasizing the importance of seeking permission before taking things from others. He underscored the significance of respecting consent and the severe consequences of violence, particularly in the context of rape.
The event concluded with an interactive session where the students had the opportunity to ask questions, followed by a call to action for the boys to extend the knowledge gained to their peers and friends. The aim is to reach a broader audience and empower more male children with this invaluable knowledge.
