FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has called for renewed commitment to the protection, mentorship, and empowerment of boys across the state and Nigeria, as she marked the International Day of the Boy Child with a powerful and heartwarming address in Umuahia.
Speaking at the event organized by her office in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Otti emphasized the need to build self-esteem and resilience in boys, urging stakeholders to “stand up, be heard, be seen” for the future of the male child.
This year’s theme—“Building Self-Esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen” struck a deeply personal chord with the First Lady, who described the occasion as both “a privilege and a moment I hold dear.”
“Our boys face unique challenges today,peer pressure, societal expectations, negative media influence, and the silence around their emotional needs. But they are not just tomorrow’s leaders; they are today’s heroes,” she said.
Mrs. Otti highlighted the critical role that parents, guardians, and mentors play in shaping confident and emotionally intelligent boys, stressing that “the words we speak, and fail to say leave lasting imprints.” She called for environments where boys feel safe, seen, and supported, and where their emotions and achievements are respected and celebrated.
Underscoring Abia State’s commitment to child welfare, she announced that the government has successfully domesticated the Child’s Rights Act and is actively implementing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law. These efforts, she said, reaffirm the state’s determination to ensure every child; especially boy child is protected from abuse and exploitation.
In a major policy reveal, the First Lady announced the upcoming commissioning of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Aba, in partnership with the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme. The centre will offer free medical, psycho-social, and legal support for survivors of abuse, including boys who are often overlooked in conversations around sexual violence.
“We are closing the gap in protection and ensuring justice and healing for every child in distress,” she affirmed.
Mrs. Otti also addressed the socio-economic struggles many boys face, from child labour and drug abuse to gang involvement—often driven by poverty and lack of opportunity.
She called for multifaceted interventions including education, skill acquisition, family support, and structured mentorship.
“My office continues to run mentorship and capacity-building programs to help boys build life skills and confidence. But, beyond policies and projects, they need positive male role models, fathers, uncles, teachers, community leaders ,who will model honour, respect, and integrity,” she urged.
Her message to the boys of Abia was direct and stirring:
“You are valued. You are loved. You are capable of greatness. Do not let anyone dim your light or define your future. Stand tall. Speak up. Be seen.”
As she concluded, Mrs. Otti called on parents, educators, religious leaders, policymakers, and development partners to join in raising a generation of confident, compassionate, and emotionally intelligent boys who will lead with purpose and integrity.
“Together, we can build a society that not only protects boys—but also believes in them,” she declared.
Earlier, the commissioner for Women Affairs , Dr. Mrs Maureen Aghukwa, noted that it is the maiden celebration of the boy child in Abia State and lauded the efforts put in place by the Governor ‘s wife to also project the male gender.
She, however stated that the event marks a significant milestone in recognition and addressing the unique needs, potentials and challenges faced by the boy child who is vital to the future development of the society.
Dr. Mrs Aghukwa enjoined all to renew their pledge to nurture the boys of Abia State into confident, disciplined and compassionate individuals, prepared to contribute meaningfully to the state.
“Nurturing boys into confident, disciplined, and compassionate individuals is not optional, it is imperative for a just society,” she said.
Also in full representation of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, a Special Adviser to the Governor, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu on behalf of Commissioner Elder Goodluck Ubochi called for an education system that marries intellect with empathy, and one that integrates counselling and mentorship into core curricula.
In a key note address, a media practitioner, Lady Christy Michael centered her lecture on Self Esteem, charged the boys to always focus on their efforts more than their results, advising them further to guide against friends who would talk down on them in order to lower their self esteem.
The event also featured quiz competition, drama, dance display, prize-giving among others and was attended by key government officials, youth leaders, educators, and members of the public, all united in the mission to uplift the boy child and ensure they are no longer left behind in national development narratives.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
17-06-2025.
