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Neglect of boy-child responsible for increased banditry, rape, others — Sanwo-Olu

By Gbenga Salau 
10 October 2021   |   3:02 am
The wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, said neglect of the boy-child over the years is responsible for the high incidence of kidnapping, insurgency, cultism, banditry

[FILES] Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. Photo: TWITTER/JOKESANWOOLU

The wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, said neglect of the boy-child over the years is responsible for the high incidence of kidnapping, insurgency, cultism, banditry and rape, among other social vices, Nigeria is grappling with. 
   
She said if Nigeria hoped to put an end to many of the social vices, it must begin to deliberately pay attention to the development of the boy-child in the society.  

   
Sanwo-Olu stated that the attention over the years has been about the girl-child, including the United Nations declared a day for the girl-child, but non for the boy-child.
   
She said to halt the tide and ensure the boy-child in Lagos grows into a responsible father and husband who will house the girl-child, her office is launching the Boy-child Initiative.    
   
“By the nature and perception of the boy-child as being strong and resilient, it has been observed that the society tends to pay little or no attention to issues affecting male children.   

“Even as we plan to commemorate the International Day of the Girl-child on October 11, we are of the strong view that the interests, welfare and well being of the boy-child too should be factored into the scheme of affairs.
 
“Thus, the Boy-child Initiative is aimed at focusing on the challenges that boys are silently contending with, and proffer workable as well as actionable solutions.

This initiative is simply about inclusion and ensuring that no member or strata of the society is left behind.”

   
The theme of the Boy-child Initiative is, “The 21st Century Boy-child: Creating a Vision for Transformation,” while our Slogan is: “Better Informed, We Do Best!”

“In line with the vision of my office, we intend to take advantage of this initiative to create awareness on what our boys are grappling with, and properly educate them, as well as rehabilitate and engender transformation so that the society can be positively impacted. The target group for the initiative is principally boys from ages 9 to 17 years.,” she said.

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