By Angela Nwanodu

Today, May 16, marks the International Day of the Boy Child, a day set aside to draw attention to the emotional, moral, educational, and social development of boys in society.

Over the years, deserved attention has been given to the girl child through advocacy, mentorship, protection, and empowerment campaigns. The girl child has consistently been guided to become disciplined, focused, and independent. But many believe the same intentional effort has not been extended to the boy child.

In many homes and communities, the boy child is often left to “figure life out” on his own. He is told to be strong but is rarely taught emotional intelligence, responsibility, discipline, or proper value orientation.

Today, society is beginning to confront the consequences.

Cases of substance abuse, social vices, internet fraud, ritual-related crimes, and the growing obsession with quick wealth among young boys have become a serious concern across many parts of the country.

In Anambra State particularly, the fight against the “quick money” culture, popularly associated with practices such as “Oke-Ite” and other forms of criminality among youths, has remained a major concern for the government and stakeholders.

The administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has repeatedly emphasized value reorientation, hard work, youth empowerment, and the need to restore dignity to honest living. However, beyond government efforts, there is also an urgent need for families, schools, religious institutions, and society at large to pay more attention to how boys are raised.

Many also argue that while society expects women to become responsible wives and mothers, very little intentionality goes into preparing boys to become responsible husbands and fathers.

In some communities, when a man behaves irresponsibly, people say, “Ka anunye ya nwanyi ka isi juo ya oyi”, meaning “marry him a wife so he will calm down.”

But the truth remains that women are not rehabilitation centres for poorly raised boys.

The truth remains that well-raised boys and well-raised girls create healthier families, safer communities, and a better society.

This year’s theme, “Flourish and Thrive: Investing in Boys for Stronger Families and Communities,” highlights the importance of guiding boys with values, mentorship, discipline, and purpose.

As the world marks the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child, the conversation should no longer be whether the boy child needs attention, but how society can become more intentional in raising boys who will grow into responsible men and positive contributors to society.

Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

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