On the 19th of October 2023, the Women Community in Africa, a coalition of gender-based violence intervention organizations and the advocacy arm of Beyond Mentors Care Initiative, hosted a momentous Boy Child summit under the theme “Re-engineering Boys To Value.” The event aimed to bring attention to the challenges faced by boys and promote a society where both male and female children can thrive.
The summit drew an impressive assembly of dignitaries, including the outgoing Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Muhammad Nami, Alhaji Ado Bayaro, Dan Iyan Kano (represented by Eng Salisu Magaji), Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu Etsu of Niger State, Benedict Agu, the Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prince Kasumu Ademola, CEO of KAS Prints, and Humphrey Geiseb, Ambassador of Namibia to Nigeria, among other distinguished guests.
The event witnessed robust participation, with approximately 209 students hailing from 11 schools actively participating in discussions focused on nurturing the well-being of the boy child. These engaged students represented a variety of educational institutions, including Police Day Secondary School, Mopol School, Fuaad Labadidi Divine Mercy School, Shiek Abubakar Gumi Academy, Beloved Academy, and Federal Government Boys College.
The summit’s agenda included enlightening presentations by experienced advocates, consultants, neuroleaders, and policy experts. Notable contributions came from students of Beloved Academy, Mamood O. Idris and Kabiru Abubakar, who delivered a poignant poem centered on self-esteem and dreams. Additionally, students from Fuaad Labadidi School engaged in a compelling debate on the topic of “Who should be responsible for the care of the home.” Meanwhile, students from Police Day Secondary School, Ocheme Simeon and Sakari Ahmad, delved into the critical issue of “Abuse has no gender; let’s not forget the boys,” among other thought-provoking discussions.
Prince Kasumu Ademola, Chairman of the Women Community in Africa, stressed the importance of acknowledging the challenges faced by the boy child and emphasized the need for building an equitable society that supports boys who often fall victim to abuse and social injustice. Maureen Chiana provided valuable insights into the structure of the brain, explaining how habits and behaviors are imprinted on the human mind. She highlighted that negative attitudes and behaviors are often stress responses that can be corrected.
Muhammad Nami, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, The keynote speaker, discussed the various forms of abuse affecting the boy child, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. He emphasized the significance of mentorship, intervention, and the family as essential pillars in nurturing rather than tormenting the boy child. This summit marked a significant stride in addressing the challenges faced by boys and advocating for their well-being in our society.
