NEWS
Abia Celebrates International Day of the Boy Child, Empowers 1,000 Boys for a Brighter Future
The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing responsible, productive, and future-ready young men as it joined the global community in celebrating the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child.
The celebration, which held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, underscores the state’s determination to invest in the development of boys through education, mentorship, character formation, and skills acquisition, while also sustaining its social protection policies aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable groups across the state.
Speaking while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed that the event was organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor.
According to the Commissioner, the State Government deliberately chose June 16, which is observed as the Day of the African Child, to celebrate the Boy Child under the theme, “Empowering Boys for a Greater Future.”
Prince Kanu explained that the initiative is designed to equip boys with the knowledge, skills, values, and confidence needed to become responsible leaders and positive contributors to society.
He revealed that about 1,000 boys from different parts of the state are expected to participate in a wide range of educational, intellectual, and developmental activities specially designed for the occasion. These include debates, quiz competitions, spelling contests, digital skills training programmes, and character-building sessions aimed at fostering discipline, leadership, and personal growth.
The Commissioner further noted that beyond academic and intellectual engagements, the programme would place significant emphasis on moral values and social responsibility. Participants would be taught the importance of respecting women and girls, promoting healthy relationships, and embracing values that encourage mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in society.
To make the celebration memorable and rewarding, all participating boys will receive gifts, while outstanding performers in the various competitions will be honoured with prizes in recognition of their excellence and achievements.
The celebration reflects the Alex Otti administration’s broader vision of youth development and human capital investment, with a focus on raising a generation of young people equipped to contribute meaningfully to the progress and prosperity of Abia State and Nigeria at large.
The event is expected to bring together students, educators, parents, mentors, and stakeholders in child development, creating a platform for inspiration, learning, and empowerment as Abia continues to champion initiatives that secure a brighter future for its
young population.