The E-KEEPA’S Enterprise has marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child with a colourful and impactful event aimed at empowering young boys for a brighter future.
The programme, held at Rehoboth International College, Okpuno, attracted over 100 male students who gathered to commemorate the globally recognized day dedicated to supporting, mentoring and empowering boys.
The event focused on building confidence, promoting healthy living and encouraging purpose-driven lifestyles among the students.
The celebration featured lectures, mentorship sessions and motivational talks delivered by experienced professionals and advocates who addressed critical issues affecting the growth and development of the boy child.
The resource persons educated the students on career development, emotional intelligence, healthy living, gender-based violence and responsible behaviour, while also inspiring them to aspire towards greatness and positive societal impact.
At the event, the Communications Officer of E-KEEPA’S Enterprise, Ukpa Ewa, explained that the International Day of the Boy Child, observed annually on May 16, was created to recognize the unique challenges boys face while also celebrating their potential and contributions to society.
According to her, the day serves as a reminder that boys deserve emotional support, mentorship, protection and opportunities that will help them mature into responsible men and future leaders.
“We are in a society where boys are often taught to suppress their emotions and appear strong at all times.
“So, we must deliberately create safe spaces where they can express themselves freely, learn, dream and thrive without fear,” she said.
She described boys as future leaders, fathers, innovators, teachers, entrepreneurs, journalists and nation builders whose upbringing would determine the quality of society in years to come.
Shaping the nation’s future
“The values we instill in boys today will shape the kind of nation we will have tomorrow.
“We must encourage them to believe in themselves, stay committed to education, avoid violence and drug abuse, and embrace discipline, purpose and integrity,” she stated.
Ukpa further advised the students to resist peer pressure, social media distractions and other negative influences capable of ruining their future ambitions.
“To every boy here today, remember that your voice matters and your dreams are valid.
“Choose wisdom over recklessness, character over popularity and purpose over distractions,” she charged.
She also stressed the role of parents, teachers and guardians in raising emotionally intelligent, hardworking and responsible boys through consistent mentorship, love, correction and positive examples.
“As we celebrate this special occasion, let us continue building a generation of boys who will grow into men of courage, compassion, excellence and integrity,” she added.
The Communications Officer expressed appreciation to individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the event.
“We are grateful to Dr. Ossy Onuko for sponsoring this programme through the Ossy & Oby Onuko Foundation.
“Their support demonstrates a genuine commitment to youth development and social impact,” she said.
During separate presentations, Dr. Gabriel Alonta of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Mr. Ifeanyi Asiegbu of AIGShelters encouraged the students to discover their talents early and pursue careers aligned with their passion and abilities.
They introduced the boys to emerging opportunities in the digital and technology sectors, including software engineering, robotics and other modern career paths shaping the future economy.
The resource persons also advised parents to support their children in choosing careers based on their natural talents and interests rather than societal pressure.
Charge against bullying
Another speaker, Christian Mmadubueze of the Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre, spoke extensively on bullying and gender-based violence.
He urged the students to avoid bullying others and encouraged victims to report such incidents to teachers and parents.
Madubueze also proposed the establishment of gender-based violence clubs in schools to help promote equality, awareness and safer learning environments for students.
In his session, Cyril Okedinachi, Programme Lead, Gender and Human Rights State R esponse Team Focal Person at the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, educated the boys on emotional management and mental well-being.
Challenging the long-standing belief that “men do not cry,” he explained that expressing emotions during painful or traumatic experiences should not be seen as weakness.
According to him, boys who are allowed to process and express their emotions are more likely to grow into emotionally balanced and responsible men.
In a goodwill message, the Ossy & Oby Onuko Foundation commended E-KEEPA’S Enterprise for organizing a programme that addressed critical emotional, mental and social issues affecting boys.
The Foundation noted that raising confident, emotionally intelligent and health-conscious boys was essential for building a safer, more compassionate and progressive society.
The event, themed “Boys with Purpose: Confident Minds, Healthy Lives,” afforded the students the opportunity to ask questions while various speakers provided answers.
Highpoint of the occasion was cultural performance by the Achala-Ugo Dance Troupe of Rehoboth International College.
