The National President of the Nigerian Correctional Officers’ Wives Association (NICOWA) Mrs Victoria Sylvester Nwakuche has called for the protection of the boy-child from harmful societal influences, unnecessary pressure and stereotypes that are capable of misleading them.
This was during the commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child Celebration which took place at the NICOWA Schools Abuja on 16th May, 2025.
Mrs Nwakuche who was represented at the event by the NICOWA National Adviser DCG (CD) Non Custodial Service Vera Ogwude maintained that oftentimes when we talk about issues of children, the focus is mostly on the girl child.
It is important to know that boys face their own unique challenges and vulnerabilities that deserve our attention and support. She further stated that the boy child is expected to be tough, hide his emotions, and most often, he is forced to conform to rigid stereotypes like toxic masculinity, leading to emotional suppression, poor mental health, and even violence.
The trend she said is inimical to societal growth, stressing that it is ok for boys to cry, to dream big, to seek help, and to express themselves because, it is the way the boy-child is treated today that determines the kind of man he will become tomorrow.
The NICOWA President therefore urged parents and guardians to accord the boy child the right attention just like their female counterparts to enhance their growth into responsible adults.
Highlights of the event include; Spoken Word art presentation by the NICOWA Boys titled “Raising Icons”, award presentation to deserving Students and special mentoring and counseling session by Edwin Mark Abaimun a Life Coach, Musicologist and Education Consultant.
The theme of this year’s celebration is; “Building Self Esteem in Boys; Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen”.
E-Signed:
Public Relations Unit,
NCoS NHQ, Abuja
16th May, 2025
