Invest In Boy-Child For Nigeria’s Development — Dr Ahmadu

Nigerians have been advised to give increased attention and make deliberate investment in the development of the boy-child as a critical pathway to build stronger families, safer communities and a more balanced society.

The advice came from the president of Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI), Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, while speaking on the theme, “Flourish and Thrive: Investing in Boys for Stronger Families and Communities,” at an event for the development of the boy-child in Abuja at the weekend.

Dr. Ahmadu noted that while the global focus on empowering and protecting the girl-child remained necessary and commendable, society must also intentionally pay closer attention to the emotional, moral, social and psychological well-being of boys.

According to her, the future security, dignity and success of the girl-child are closely tied to the kind of boys society nurtures today.

“A secured future for the girl-child can only be guaranteed when we intentionally raise responsible, emotionally balanced, respectful and purpose-driven boys who will grow into supportive fathers, responsible husbands, compassionate leaders and productive members of society,” she stated.

Dr. Ahmadu expressed concern with the growing neglect of boys in many homes and communities, stressing that many young boys were growing without proper mentorship, emotional support systems, positive role models or value-based guidance.

She further observed that the absence of deliberate investment in the boy-child had contributed to rising social challenges including violence, substance abuse, crime, poor emotional intelligence, broken homes and unhealthy attitudes towards women and family life.

The Helpline president added that investing in boys does not in any way reduce the importance of girl-child empowerment, but rather strengthens it by helping to create healthier relationships, more stable homes, and safer communities for women and girls.

She urged governments, parents, schools, religious institutions, community leaders, development partners and civil society organisations to create mentorship platforms, counseling support systems, leadership development initiatives, and safe spaces that will enable boys to flourish and thrive.

Dr. Ahmadu also urged society to normalise conversations around the emotional well-being of boys and intentionally teach them discipline, empathy, self-control, responsibility, and respect for women and humanity.

“A thriving society cannot be built by empowering one gender while neglecting the other. The future of our families and communities depends greatly on how well we nurture our boys today,” she added.