BTC seeks equal attention for boy-child

The Boy-child Transformation Centre (BTC) has urged governments, private sectors, parents, guardians and teachers to give equal attention to the boy-child.

The call was made in Lagos, at the weekend, during the commemoration of International Day of the Boy-Child by BTC, with the theme: “Walk in my shoes,” a creative expression for the boy-child.

Founder of BTC, Nkiruka Moghalu-Oguadinma, said it is imperative to recognise the crucial role parents play in nurturing and empowering young boys, just as the rights and aspirations of the girl-child are championed.

She, therefore, urged parents to ensure that the boy-child grow up to become compassionate, respectful and responsible individuals to enable them to contribute positively to the society.

Moghalu-Oguadinma said: “Creativity is a force that knows no boundary. It transcends disciplines, defies limitations, and breaks through barriers. We must create an environment that celebrates and embraces diverse forms of expression, allowing our boys to explore and discover their unique talents. Whether it’s through art, music, writing, or any other medium, we should encourage their individuality, providing them with the freedom to express themselves authentically.”

“We must continue to foster an environment that encourages boys to express their emotions, passion and embrace vulnerability. Society often places immense pressure on boys to conform to rigid expectations of strength and stoicism. This did not only hinder their emotional development but also perpetuates harmful behaviours such as aggression and violence. We must create safe spaces where boys can freely express their feelings, seek support and learn healthy ways to manage their emotions.”

She said that raising a boy-child required breaking down harmful stereotypes, encouraging creativity, emotional intelligence, empathy, and open-mindedness, and creating a generation of men who are not only strong physically, but also emotionally resilient and capable of building meaningful relationships.

Meanwhile, the Keynote Speaker, Kobichukwurah Jesse, said the creativity of a boy-child is beyond what a parent can see, hence, parents should support the ambitions and careers of their boy-child.

He stressed that the boy-child faces different challenges in life like gender stereotyping, emotional expression and academic pressure.

“Parents should allow their children in terms of opportunities and resources to build on their skills to enhance their creativity,” he said.

Also, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, advised that the boy child shouldn’t be neglected because a neglected boy-child generally grows up to be a bigger danger to the society than a girl-child

She, however, urged parents to co-create with their children and guide them.