Group photograph of the students and other participants cutting the cake at the programme on Friday
By Ejiro Nesisa
The Lighted Women Foundation, a non- governmental organisation, in collaboration with Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, has celebrated the 2026 International Boy Child Day with a strong call for the proper upbringing, mentorship and empowerment of boys in society. The event, held on Friday at Liberate Academy in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, attracted pupils and students from different schools across the state, including Solid Foundation School, Prudent Brain School, Liberate Academy and Unibest School.
Speaking during the programme themed, “Fix the Boy, Save the Man,” Chairperson of Lighted Women Foundation, Mrs. Ejiro Akporehe-John ( Esq.), described the theme as more than a slogan, saying it was a wake-up call for society to intentionally raise responsible boys who would grow into responsible men.
The Chairperson of Lighted Women Foundation, Mrs. Ejiro Akporehe-John ( Esq.) delivering her address at the occasion on Friday
According to her, although society has continued to focus on empowering the girl child, many boys have been emotionally abandoned and socially neglected, resulting in negative consequences in adulthood. Her words: ”If we want responsible men tomorrow, we must intentionally build responsible boys today. While society rightly focuses on empowering the girl child, many boys have been left emotionally abandoned, morally confused and socially neglected.”
Mrs. Akporehe-John stressed that boys also require discipline, education, emotional support, guidance and positive role models to become productive members of society. She noted that many social vices such as drug abuse, internet fraud and armed robbery could be linked to poor upbringing and lack of mentorship among boys.
Group of students cutting the cake in the programme on Friday
“When a boy is not taught responsibility, he may grow into a man who runs from accountability. Many of the problems we see in men today started when they were boys — unheard, unguided, unloved or undisciplined,” she added.
She further urged parents, teachers and stakeholders to discourage boys from cultism, drug abuse and the pursuit of quick wealth, warning that such lifestyles could destroy their future. According to her, the organisation remains committed to mentoring boys to become responsible fathers, leaders and nation builders. Her words: ”We are not just celebrating boys today, we are shaping fathers, leaders and the future.”
Group of pupils cutting the cake in the programme on Friday
Also speaking on the topic, “Boys, Sexual Molestation and the Law,” Barr. Alfred Oyibo described sexual molestation as a serious offence capable of affecting children physically, emotionally and mentally. He noted that contrary to popular belief, boys are also victims of sexual abuse and advised them to avoid peer pressure and immoral associations. Oyibo also warned parents against exposing underage boys to unrestricted phone usage, saying it could expose them to sexual misconduct and criminal activities.
Speaking on “Drug Abuse And Its Effects On Boys”, Barr. Elume Festus warned that involvement in drugs could ruin the future of young boys. According to him, the effects of drug abuse include damage to vital organs such as the lungs, kidneys and liver, which could eventually lead to death. He advised boys to stay away from friends who could lure them into drug abuse, while urging parents to monitor the kind of company their children keep.
Group of students cutting the cake in the programme on Friday
In his remarks, the Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, represented by Pastor Loyalty Jovi, said the future of families, communities and the nation depends largely on how boys are raised today. He stressed that responsible men are products of discipline, mentorship, education and positive values, urging stakeholders to pay greater attention to the development of the boy child. His words: ”When society neglects the boy child, the effects often manifest later in the form of violence, crime and drug abuse.”
Participants at the event were also educated on personal hygiene and the dangers of masturbation by Coach Ogbinna Ugochukwu. The colourful event featured drama presentations, songs, speeches and interactive sessions, while questions and answers rounded off the programme.