“The Character Of Tomorrow’s Nation Lies In The Boys We Build Today” –
ANCISRO MD
By
Emeka Chiaghanam
Anambra State marked the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child with a resounding message focused on hard work, integrity, and the fear of God. The event, held in Awka, was organized by the Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO) in collaboration with E-KEEPAS Enterprise.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo,
represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, urged boys to
reject the temptation of quick wealth through fraudulent means and to
concentrate on building lives of true value.
“Your future is determined by
the choices you make today. Embrace hard work, integrity, and the fear of God
to build a prosperous tomorrow,” Dr. Mefor said on behalf of the governor.
The event’s theme, Boys
Today, Great Men Tomorrow, emphasized the urgent need to guide boys into
responsible adulthood. Dr. Mefor also highlighted the state government's
commitment to providing free education from nursery to senior secondary level
in public schools.
Educationist Dr. Akachukwu Maduakolam,
who delivered the keynote address, stressed the necessity of giving equal
attention to raising both boys and girls.
“Raising sons means creating
men of the future, men with integrity and heart. It’s essential to allow them to
express themselves and learn from failures,” he said.
“Many boys are silently
struggling under the weight of unrealistic expectations. They’re taught to
suppress emotions, to never cry, to ‘man up’ even when in pain. We must begin
to unlearn these harmful ideas and instead create safe environments where boys
can thrive emotionally, academically, and spiritually,” he added.
Sir Chuka Nnabuife, Managing
Director of ANCISRO, reiterated the agency’s goal to build civic values and
responsibility in youth across the state.
“We must see this day not as mere celebration but as a clarion call to action. The future of our communities lies in the character of the boys we raise today. The character of tomorrow’s nation lies in the boys we build today. ANCISRO is committed to driving behavioral change across the state by embedding the principles of honesty, patriotism, empathy, and social discipline in the lives of young people,” he said.
“Our boys must learn to see themselves as future leaders, of families, institutions, and the nation. That transformation starts with consistent mentorship and practical role models who walk the talk. It is not enough to teach values; we must live them before our children. Our organization will continue to reach deeper into schools, churches, and youth hubs to promote civic education, uphold societal values, and empower boys to rise beyond their circumstances,” he added.
Mr. Chigozie Nweke, President of Non-Indigenes in Anambra, described the exposure given to the boy child as transformative and welcoming.
“This initiative will reset the
belief that the boy child is a diehard. They need care and love too. This focus
brings balance and helps nurture better human beings,” he said.
Nweke praised Governor Soludo’s
government for creating an environment for creative change and youth
reorientation, noting that such efforts have reduced criminality across the
state.
Master Jerry Ekwue, a student
of Gran Hermano Academy, said he found the teaching reformative and was pleased
to be in attendance.
Master Jephat Djarkwa, a
student of Rehoboth International Secondary School, Okpuno, assured that the
knowledge gained during the programme would be shared with friends, classmates,
and family members.
Ms. Hope Okoye, Executive
Assistant to Governor Soludo on Women Affairs and a Child Protection Officer,
said every child in Anambra receives equal training regardless of gender.
Okoye explained that cultural
emphasis in Igbo land sometimes makes it appear as though the boy child is
prioritized, but this is not the reality.
“The role of the boy child is
clear in societal development. However, the Violence Against Persons
Prohibition Act of 2015 does not distinguish gender in administering justice.
It punishes offenses as they occur,” she said.
She explained that the VAPP Act
was enacted to eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibit all
forms of violence against persons, and provide protection and justice for
victims while ensuring offenders are punished.
According to her, the law
treats both boys and girls equally, although the perceived tenderness of
females often makes their situation appear more sensitive.
She urged boys to always stand
for what is right, shun harmful behaviors, and be mindful of their
associations.
“All things are permissible,
but not all things are beneficial,” she said.
Mr. Ken Okoli, President of the
Association of Youth Leaders, a wing of the Anambra State Association of Town
Unions (ASATU), the umbrella body of the 189 town unions in the state, commended
the organizers for their innovation.
He said the initiative by
ANCISRO and E-KEEPAS had opened a valuable channel to show the boy child that
they are appreciated and expected to uphold worthy values.
Okoli advised boys to cultivate
virtues like honesty and respect, while avoiding negative peer pressure and bad
habits.
“Shun abuse of substances at a
young age. Do not get involved in wrong associations as such may lead to mental
health challenges such as depression,” he said.
“Some may lose track, do poorly
in school or drop out, or even fall into unplanned criminal behavior,” he
added.
He noted that the celebration
would help end disparities in the upbringing of boys across different races,
ethnic groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Religious leaders and community
stakeholders were present at the event to help drive the message into the
larger society.
Students received free copies
of the I Believe in Anambra handbook, designed to reinforce civic values
and social responsibility.
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