From TCNEWS
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to observe the year 2024 International Day of the Boy Child, the Child Protection Network, CPN has urged the critical stakeholders to invest in boys’ well-being by ensuring access to quality education.
CPN Nigeria, a passionate advocate for children’s rights, established under the auspices of UNICEF and supervised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, is a coalition of state and non-state actors committed to safeguarding the rights of children, ensuring their safety from abuse, violence, and exploitation.
In a release tagged, “Invest in Boys’ Health & Well-Being Today for a Brighter Tomorrow ” – CPN Abia’s Request on International Day of the Boy Child”, signed and made available to newsmen by Amb. Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu, CPN Abia State Coordinator, the body also urged Governor Alex Otti led government, individuals, and organizations to not only ensure access to quality education but to provide mentorship, create opportunities to highlight positive male role models.
While also calling for the prevention of child abuse and enforcing laws to protect the rights of the male child, CPN Abia believed that supporting boys’ well-being is not only a moral obligation but also “an investment in the future of our society”.
CPN Abia also asserted that every child, regardless of gender, deserves a life free from fear, discrimination, and violence.
The release partly read, “As we celebrate the International Day of the Boy Child, CPN Abia’s message to every boy is clear: “In a world that sometimes forgets that you are also a child who is in need of protection and guidance, we assure you that the Child Rights Law protects you, as well as the girl child.
“We advocate for comprehensive support systems to nurture positive growth and development in boys, guiding them to become responsible contributors to their families and communities….
“Therefore: Celebrate your uniqueness, embrace education, shun negative influences, stand for equality, and believe in yourself.
“By following these principles, you will be able to fulfill your potential and contribute positively to society”.
The Abia CPN coordinator who observed that boys are children with immense potential, expressed optimism that by investing in their well-being, the leaders of tomorrow would be empowered and a brighter future for all would also be secured.
“Let us unite in creating a world where every child’s rights and potential are fully realized”, Amb. Nwosu passionately called on the major stakeholders.
The International Day of the Boy Child is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the unique needs, experiences, and challenges faced by boys worldwide. It emphasizes recognizing boys’ fundamental human rights, such as access to education and healthcare, and underscores the importance of protecting them from violence and exploitation.
This day also focuses on enhancing boys’ physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being by advocating for gender equality, providing essential nutrition and healthcare services, and ensuring access to safe play spaces and activities.
This year, the event focuses on the , ” Health & Well-Being of Boys,” thereby highlighting the critical need to prioritize boys’ rights and welfare to ensure that they grow up to become respectable and integral members of society.