By Ukpa Ewa
The Ossy & Oby Onuko
Foundation stood at the heart of a powerful and inspiring gathering in Okpuno,
Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, as young boys were
encouraged to embrace discipline, confidence, healthy living and purposeful
ambition during the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child celebration.
The colourful event, organised
by E-KEEPA’S Enterprise and strongly supported through the Ossy & Oby Onuko
Foundation, transformed the premises of Rehoboth International College, Okpuno,
into a centre of motivation, learning and hope, where more than 100 male
students were equipped with life-changing lessons aimed at shaping them into
responsible future leaders.
The programme was organised as
part of E-KEEPA’S Enterprise’s commitment to youth development and social
impact, with the event drawing education advocates, social development experts,
health professionals and motivational speakers who engaged the students on
issues affecting the modern boy child.
The atmosphere throughout the
event reflected excitement, curiosity and enthusiasm as the students listened
attentively to practical discussions centred on career development, emotional
intelligence, healthy living, gender-based violence and self-discovery.
Speaking during the event, the
Communications Officer of E-KEEPA’S Enterprise, Ukpa Ewa, described the
International Day of the Boy Child, observed annually on May 16, as a special
occasion set aside to recognise, support and empower boys across the world.
According to her, the
celebration was not only about gathering boys together but about creating
opportunities for them to understand their worth, discover their strengths and
build the confidence needed to become responsible adults.
“In many societies today, boys
are often told to suppress their emotions and simply appear strong, even when
they are struggling internally,” she said.
“We must deliberately create
safe spaces where boys can learn, express themselves, ask questions, dream
boldly and grow without fear or intimidation.
“Our boys are future fathers,
leaders, teachers, innovators, journalists, entrepreneurs and nation builders.
The values and direction we give them today will determine the kind of society
we will have tomorrow.”
She urged the students to stay
focused on their education, avoid destructive lifestyles and develop strong
character.
“To every boy seated here
today, always remember that your dreams are valid and your future matters. Do
not allow peer pressure, social media influence or temporary setbacks to
destroy your purpose.
“Choose wisdom instead of
recklessness. Choose discipline instead of distraction. Choose character
instead of popularity,” she advised.
Ukpa also stressed that
parents, guardians and teachers have a major responsibility in shaping the
emotional and moral growth of boys.
“Boys need love, correction,
mentoring and positive examples. We must intentionally raise boys who are
emotionally intelligent, respectful, hardworking and responsible,” she added.
She expressed appreciation to
organisations and individuals who contributed to the success of the programme
and gave special recognition to the Managing Director of the Awka Capital
Territory Development Authority, Dr. Ossy Onuko, for supporting the initiative
through the Ossy & Oby Onuko Foundation.
According to her, the
Foundation’s involvement demonstrated a strong commitment towards youth development
and social transformation in Anambra State.
The event featured separate
presentations from experienced professionals and resource persons who shared
practical guidance with the students.
One of the speakers, Dr.
Gabriel Alonta of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, encouraged the boys to identify
their talents early and begin making deliberate career choices based on their
passions, strengths and natural abilities.
He advised them not to allow
societal pressure or fear to stop them from pursuing careers capable of giving
them fulfilment and long-term success.
Also speaking, Arc. Ifeanyi
Asiegbu of AIGShelters introduced the students to modern career opportunities
emerging in the digital age.
He spoke extensively about
opportunities in software engineering, robotics and technology-related fields,
urging the students to remain curious, innovative and prepared for the rapidly
changing world.
The architect equally advised
parents to allow their children to pursue careers that align with their dreams
and interests instead of forcing them into professions they may not enjoy.
Another speaker, Christian
Mmadubueze of the Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre, addressed
the issue of bullying and gender-based violence among young people.
He warned the boys against
intimidating or harassing others and encouraged them to report cases of
bullying to teachers, guardians or trusted adults whenever such situations
arise.
According to him, building a
safer society begins with teaching young boys the importance of respect,
empathy and human dignity.
He also suggested the
introduction of gender-based violence clubs in schools, explaining that such
initiatives could help educate students on peaceful coexistence, equality and
mutual respect.
On emotional health and
personal wellbeing, the Programme Lead and Gender & Human Rights State
Response Team Focal Person of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, Cyril
Okedinachi, challenged long-standing cultural beliefs that discourage boys from
expressing emotions.
Speaking passionately, he
rejected the popular saying that “a man does not cry”, insisting that emotional
expression should never be seen as weakness.
According to him, allowing boys
to express pain, sadness and disappointment in healthy ways would help them
grow into emotionally balanced and responsible men.
“When boys are taught to bottle
up emotions, many end up struggling silently with anger, frustration and
depression. It is healthy to express emotions and seek support when necessary,”
he told the students.
The Ossy & Oby Onuko
Foundation, in its goodwill message, commended E-KEEPA’S Enterprise for
organising what it described as a timely and impactful programme.
The Foundation noted that
conversations around mental health, healthy living, positive masculinity and
gender-based violence were essential in raising boys who are confident,
responsible and compassionate.
“We are proud to support
programmes that promote youth development, education, social responsibility and
positive societal values,” the Foundation stated.
“These discussions are
important in shaping boys into future men who will stand firmly for justice,
respect and human dignity while contributing meaningfully to society.”
The Foundation congratulated
the boys on the occasion and encouraged them to take full advantage of the
knowledge shared during the event.
It further urged the students
to become ambassadors of positive change in their schools, homes and communities.
In his remarks, the Principal
of Rehoboth International College, Philip Eze, praised the organisers for
selecting the school as host venue for the programme.
He described the event as
timely and impactful, noting that many young boys today require guidance and
mentorship to help them navigate modern social pressures.
The principal also commended
the speakers for openly discussing issues often ignored in conversations
involving boys and young men.
Some of the participating
students equally expressed gratitude to the organisers and sponsors.
Speaking with journalists after
the event, the Senior Prefect of the college, Victor Iloh, said the programme
gave him a fresh understanding of discipline, emotional wellbeing and career
planning.
Another student, Chinedum
Umerah, described the gathering as enlightening and inspiring, adding that the
lessons shared would positively influence many of the boys.
The event, themed “Boys with
Purpose: Confident Minds, Healthy Lives,” later ended with an engaging
question-and-answer session between the students and the guest speakers.
The celebration also featured a
lively cultural performance by the Achala-Ugo Cultural Dance Troupe of Rehoboth
International College, bringing colour, excitement and cultural pride to a day
many participants described as memorable and deeply impactful.
Beyond the speeches and
celebrations, the gathering left behind a strong message — that boys deserve
guidance, emotional support, mentorship and opportunities to become responsible
men capable of building a better society.
For many present, the event was
more than a ceremony. It was a deliberate investment in the future of young
boys and a reminder that with the right support, discipline and encouragement,
the next generation can grow into leaders defined not by violence or fear, but
by integrity, compassion, confidence and purpose.
Post a Comment