By Oluchi Akueche | ANCISRO
IN AN age of materialism and crave for money boys and young men are in danger of being pushed to crimes and wrong values.
Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO) used the opportunity of celebrating the 2025 International Year of the Boy-child to address the problem, among others, challenges facing boys and young men in our society.
A one-day occasion featuring a keynote lecture and discourses as well as an interactive session featuring boys from various secondary schools in Awka metropolis was hosted by ANCISRO in its headquarters at the old Government House on Thursday, May 29.
The event which ANCISRO organised in collaboration with a non-governmental organisation E-KEEPAS was well-attended by pupils, dignitaries and the mass media.
Anambra State’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor who chaired the event, declared the event open. He emphasised the need for society to focus on the challenges faced by today’s boys.
He stressed the importance of integrity, noting that many boys mistakenly believe that internet fraud “Yahoo” is the only path to success.
Dr. Mefor highlighted the program’s core message, the importance of building a strong moral and ethical foundation for boys to become responsible, respectful and successful men.
He shed light on the common struggles boys face, including drug abuse, peer pressure, cultism and early exposure to harmful behaviors.
He emphasized that celebrating the boy child means providing the necessary support and guidance to help them thrive, when boys are nurtured and guided properly, they grow into men who make positive contributions to society.
Managing Director of ANCISRO, Sir Chuka Nnabuife informed that the theme of the seminar, ‘Boys Today, Great Men Tomorrow’ was carefully selected after brainstorming sessions. He said that for the program, boys in secondary schools were selected as core audiences due to the need to begin early to show the young male gender the way by enlightening them on what it takes to be a man, especially to prepare them to be great men and upcoming leaders of a great society which Anambra is set to be. The goal was to shape their character, guide their values and help them grow into responsible and respectable men who would lead with integrity and high values in the future.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Akachukwu Maduakonam, a legal practitioner, author, technocrat and entrepreneur. He centered his engaging presentation on the vital roles and responsibility of the boy-child in society.
The scholar who recently earned a doctorate in legal studies, stressed that boys are not merely future men but also future leaders, fathers and role models.
He encouraged them to grow with discipline, integrity and a clear sense of purpose.
Dr. Maduakonam emphasised that a responsible boy-child should strive to make sound decisions, show respect to others, contribute meaningfully to his community and be committed to building a better society through hard work and moral uprightness.
Executive Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Okoye Hope Nkiru was one of the discussants of the day. While addressing the boys she emphasised the importance of individual boys setting their priorities, early in life. Those values, she noted, shape one’s future.
Ms. Okoye, an activist, reminded the boys of the Igbo maxim: “Ezi aha ka ego” (a good name is better than money). She explained that one’s reputation, integrity and character are far more valuable than any amount of money or wealth gained through dishonest means.
She challenged the boys to think deeply about the kind of men they want to become. In a bold and direct moment, she asked them: “who among you wants to become a proud ‘yahoo boy’ or a cultist?”
She asked the boys to reflect on the dangerous paths some youths are tempted to take in pursuit of quick riches or false pride.
She urged them to walk the path of dignity, discipline and noble purpose because true success is not just about wealth but about earning respect and leaving a positive impact on society.
President-General of the Youth arm of the Anambra State of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU Youth), Comrade Ken Okoli was the second discussant. He emphasised the importance of values in shaping a meaningful life.
He dwelt on the need for individuals who desire success and greatness to begin from childhood to be honest, kind, and morally upright.
The youths’ leader highlighted the crucial roles of parents, urging them to regularly pay close attention to their children’s dreams, interests, and behavior, so as to guide them properly to a great future.
He also noted that building great humans (men and women) is crucial for a better society. Hence a society that aspires for advancement begins with raising good children, supported by strong values at home and community.
Anambra State’s Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mbah was the co-chairman of the event. Also present were the Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), Sir Mike Ozoemena, the Managing Director of Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS) Mr. Chris Molokwu and the Anambra State Chairman of the Pentecostals Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Moses Ezedebego who was the Guest Of Honour. General Overseer of the Living Faith Assembly, Bishop E.C Obiorah was the Father of the Day. Others who graced the occasion were the Anambra State commander of the youth orderliness enforcement volunteer corps, Dr. Joe Ekwunife as well as representatives of E-KEEPAS, the National Orientation Agency of Nigeria (NOA) and teachers from the participating schools which comprised Gran Hermano Secondary School, Nwafor Orizu Memorial Demonstration Secondary School, Community Secondary School, Okpuno, the Rehoboth Secondary School among others.
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