By Princess Joy Idam
Publisher and media advocate, Princess Joy Idam, has called on parents, governments, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to give greater attention to the welfare, protection and emotional development of the boy child.
In a statement issued to mark the 2026 International Boy Child Day celebrated annually on May 16, Idam stressed that the proper upbringing and protection of boys remain essential to national development, peaceful coexistence and societal stability.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Building Positive Futures for Boys: Nurture, Educate, Protect,” she said there is an urgent need for collective action to address the growing social and emotional challenges confronting young boys.
According to her, discussions around child rights and social development have increasingly overlooked the unique struggles faced by boys despite the progress recorded in promoting the rights of the girl child.
She identified some of the challenges affecting boys to include exposure to violence, peer pressure, substance abuse, lack of positive male role models and societal expectations that discourage emotional expression.
Idam noted that supporting the boy child should not be seen as a competition against the girl child agenda, but rather as part of efforts to build a balanced and progressive society.
“A boy who is properly nurtured, educated and protected will grow into a responsible man capable of contributing positively to society, respecting women and upholding justice,” she stated.
She further urged governments at all levels to strengthen policies and programmes focused on the education, mental health and protection of boys, particularly those in vulnerable communities.
The media advocate also called for the promotion of positive masculinity through values such as emotional intelligence, responsibility and respect for gender equality from an early age.
She emphasized the need to tackle violence, bullying, exploitation, child labour and the recruitment of boys into criminal and violent activities.
Idam additionally advocated increased investment in mentorship initiatives and safe spaces where boys can interact with positive role models and express themselves freely.
As part of activities marking the celebration, she announced plans for a special programme scheduled for May 27, 2026, to further promote awareness and support for the boy child.
She reaffirmed her commitment to using the media as a platform to amplify issues affecting boys and advocate policies that support the holistic development of every Nigerian child regardless of gender.
