Mrs. Otti Urges Support for Boy Child Development

Dance performances, calisthenics, a spelling bee competition, and cultural displays highlighted this year’s commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child in Abia State, celebrated under the theme, “Empowering Boys for a Balanced Future.”

Speaking at the event organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs in Umuahia, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, said the occasion provided an opportunity to ensure that boys receive the same level of attention, support, and guidance as girls.

“It gives me immense pleasure to join you today in commemorating the International Day of the Boy Child. While we have rightly devoted considerable attention to the empowerment and protection of the girl child over the years, the boy child also deserves to be seen, heard, guided, celebrated, and empowered,” she said.

Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, Mrs. Otti noted that a balanced society can only be achieved when both boys and girls are given equal opportunities to thrive. She emphasized the importance of raising confident girls and responsible boys who are grounded in values such as respect, integrity, empathy, hard work, and leadership.

She recalled that last year marked the first-ever commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child in Abia State, describing it as a landmark step toward inclusive child development.

“The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Empowering Boys for a Balanced Future,’ is both timely and relevant. Our boys are growing up in a rapidly changing world filled with opportunities and challenges. They face pressures from negative social influences, substance abuse, violence, peer pressure, and harmful stereotypes about masculinity. This is why they must be guided and supported to make positive choices,” she said.

Addressing the boys directly, Mrs. Otti encouraged them to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and build strong character.

“Dream big, work hard, and never underestimate your potential. Let your character speak louder than your words. The future of Abia State, and indeed our nation, rests in your hands,” she said.

She also pledged her continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare, protection, education, and holistic development of all children in the state, regardless of gender.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, said the theme serves as a reminder that the future of families, communities, and the nation depends on raising boys to become disciplined men, loving fathers, supportive partners, and productive citizens.

She noted that the ministry remains committed to creating opportunities for mentorship, education, skills development, and positive engagement to help boys realize their full potential.

Delivering the keynote address, Pastor Ogbonna Samuel said every boy child carries a seed of greatness and warned that society would bear the consequences if boys are not properly nurtured and morally guided.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Becky Ogechi Oguama, commended Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to the welfare and development of children and young people across the state.

In the spelling bee competition held as part of the celebration, Intellectual Giant Academy emerged overall winner, while Government College Umuahia and Ibeku High School Umuahia secured second and third positions, respectively.

All participating schools received learning materials and cash prizes from the Office of the Wife of the Governor in recognition of their participation and outstanding performances.

By Chibunna Ikeokwu

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