By Emeka Nwokocha
A non-governmental organisation leading advocacy against social vices, ENDYBEKX Initiatives for Children & Women Development (EBICWD), in partnership with Happy Men’s Club, Florence Tonlagha World Changers Foundation, and Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative (CRCEI) aka Human Rights Protection Congress, has marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child with male students of Ogbe Secondary school, Effurun, Delta State.
The epoch event, which took place on Thursday 21 May, 2026 at Ogbe secondary schools, attracted an array of dignitaries from the Delta State human rights community, including Activist Kelvin Ejumudo – intrepid human rights defender in Nigeria and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on Human Rights; and vibrant journalist and public affairs analyst, Comrade Emeka Nwokocha.
Speaking to the enthusiastic male students of Ogbe secondary school, the Executive Director of EBICWD, Amb. Endurance Nwachukwu congratulated the male students for attracting global recognition tailored at promoting their well-being. She enlightened the students about the event, stating that the INT’L Day of the Boy Child is celebrated on May 16th each year. “The day recognizes the importance of boys’ well-being and the challenges they face, while also celebrating the positive aspects they bring to their communities and families,” she added.
Executive Director of EBICWD, Amb. (Mrs.) Endurance Nwachukwu (2nd left), flanked by Activist Kelvin Ejumudo (3rd left), and other dignitaries
The elegant looking Amb. Nwachukwu spoke eloquently on the theme of this year’s event: “Flourish and Thrive: Investing in Boys for stronger families and communities.” She charged the students to uphold their self -esteem and imbibe good morals and societal values to strengthen and empower them to become good ambassadors of society. She educated the male students about the dangers of negative peer pressure, saying “It’s a leading driver of youth involvement in crimes, cultism, and exposure to sexual violence like rape.”
Continuing, Amb. Nwachukwu advised the students to shun social vices and focus on their education being the legitimate route to becoming responsible citizens to their parents, community, and the country, adding that education serves as the primary foundation for personal development and prosperity. She sternly warned that dropping one’s guard against negative peer influence is a primary gateway to gang involvement, substance abuse, and sexual victimization.
She concluded by inspiring the male students with a powerful slogan, “If you see something, say something, and do something,” even as she encouraged the male students to stay on course in their academic studies, praying that they would become great personalities in the near future. Also speaking, Comrade Emeka Nwokocha, commended the male students for their composure and enthusiasm to learn, stating that such disposition is a desideratum for building a progressive youth-driven society.
Executive Director of EBICWD, Amb. (Mrs.) Endurance Nwachukwu
He encouraged the students to take their education very seriously and commit to regular studies, stating that such discipline is all the students need to excel in their academic journey. He commended the management of the school under the headship of the principal for putting in their best to ensure Ogbe secondary school stands out as one of the best in Delta State, and Nigeria. Adding his perspective to enrich the event, Activist Kelvin Ejumudo, who doubles as National Secretary of CRCEI encouraged the boys to say “No To Cultism and Rape.”
He advised the male students to steer clear of drug and substance abuse, stressing the near irredeemable effects of drug abuse on persons that take illicit drugs . Activist Ejumudo further advised the students against keeping bad company who oftentimes lure them into taking drugs and other antisocial behaviours.
Speaking at the end of the event, Master Chidera, an SS2 student of the school, commended EBICWD and partners for celebrating boys on this year’s International Day of the Boy Child, stating that the advice given to them was quite educative and enriching. He said the students would take the advice serious and aviod behaviour or indulgence that promote vices in the society. He added, “We pledge our commitment to our studies and steer clear of drug and crime.” The highpoint of the event was presentation of gifts – Rollon, Shaving stick and body spray to male students of Ogbe Secondary school.