The President of Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa has inaugurated a mentorship programme for a boy Child to address a growing societal need to create intentional support systems for the boy child an often-overlooked demographic in national development discourse.
The mentorship programme was launched with a landmark maiden celebration to mark the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child dedicated to fostering the growth and empowerment of future male leaders.
It was held at the Officers Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, the event carried the theme, “Celebrating Boys: Empowering and Nurturing Our Future Leaders.”
In her remarks, DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, emphasized that while efforts to empower the girl child have advanced, equal attention must be given to boys who face societal pressure to suppress emotions and meet tough masculine expectations.
He hiighlighted the need for greater societal support, mentorship, and emotional guidance for boys.
“Boys don’t just become men, they become the men we show them how to be,” Mrs. Musa said, while urging the creation of safe spaces and leadership platforms, especially within military and police families.
She stressed that the urgent need for society to pay closer attention to the emotional and psychological development of the boy child, stressing that silence and neglect are no way to raise future leaders.
“We cannot afford to raise tomorrow’s leaders in emotional silence,” she said. “It is essential to evaluate how our boys are being shaped mentally, emotionally, and morally to become confident, respectful, and compassionate men.”
She cautioned against allowing societal pressures, violence, and unrealistic masculine expectations to serve as default educators for young boys. According to her, while boys anaturally desire freedom, they also yearn for structure, validation, and a sense of purpose. “Let us not wait until they are broken before we teach them how to heal,” Mrs. Musa urged.
Mrs Musa noted that DEPOWA’s vision includes establishing leadership platforms, mentorship channels, and safe spaces for boys, particularly within Nigeria’s military and police communities.
“Boys don’t just become men they become the men we show them how to be,” she stated.
She reaffirmed DEPOWA’s commitment to nurturing boys through strategic interventions focused on mental health awareness, academic achievement, and emotional intelligence.
“Our goal is to raise boys who are not just bold, but balanced young men equipped to lead with brilliance, character, and empathy,” she added
In her remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented by the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Affairs, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, while delivering the CDS’s keynote address, affirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to the protection, education, and empowerment of the boy child.
The CDS stressed the significance of investing in the growth and moral development of young boys. He described the initiative as not only timely but in alignment with the people-centric leadership values of the Nigerian military.
“Today’s event serves as a crucial reminder of the unique place and potentials of the boy child in our society.
“While focus on the girl child remains essential, the boy child equally faces distinct pressures, vulnerabilities, and societal expectations that can hamper development.” General Musa stated.
He noted that the lack of sufficient attention to the challenges boys face such as educational disadvantages, societal pressure to be stoic providers, and susceptibility to criminal exploitation has contributed to a rising number of out-of-school boys, and in some cases, their recruitment into non-state armed groups.
Highlighting education as a critical foundation for the future, the CDS emphasized the need for access to quality and relevant learning opportunities, including in science, technology, and vocational training. He also called for character development, urging boys to embody integrity, self-discipline, respect, and patriotism.
“A disciplined life helps you reach your biggest dreams.
“Say no to laziness, drugs, bullying, and crime. Real men lead by doing what is right, not by following the crowd.” He said.
General Musa also underscored the importance of mentorship, stating that every great leader has been shaped by others, be it parents, teachers, superiors, or peers. He urged boys to seek guidance, ask questions, and stay curious, quoting, “A reader is a leader.” He noted.
To the adults and guardians present, he issued a rallying call, “Be present in the lives of our boys. Speak words that build. Model the kind of men you want your sons and students to become.
He further stated that the Armed Forces are committed not only to the physical security of schools and communities but also to protecting boys from socio-economic vulnerabilities that expose them to harmful influences. General Musa called for collective action across families, communities, and government agencies to create a nurturing environment for every Nigerian boy to thrive.
Also addressing participants at the event, Dr. Chief Mekwueye Eric, Chief Faculty Officer of the Hospitality Business School, emphasized the need for greater recognition and structured support for the boy child as part of global efforts to promote balanced child development. He called for deliberate policies and programs that will ensure boys are not left behind in national and international development agendas.
Dr. Mekwueye expressed concern over the limited awareness of the day’s significance, noting that many remain unaware of its existence. He highlighted that while global efforts to empower the girl child have gained traction, the boy child is often overlooked in discussions about emotional development, mentorship, and leadership training.
He stressed that societal expectations often pressure boys to suppress emotions and discourage open expression, hindering their growth into responsible adults. Dr. Mekwueye emphasized the need to create platforms offering direction, inspiration, and mentorship to boys, especially in an environment where social media and societal standards can distort ideas of success.
“The objective is to inspire and guide the boy-child.
“Everywhere they turn, the environment does not support their growth. We must be intentional about raising boys who are bold, objective, respectful, and emotionally aware.” He said.
He called on parents, educators, and community leaders to collaborate to ensure boys receive the support necessary to become responsible, productive members of society.
The Inspector General of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police Okebechi George Agora, has described the initiative by the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) to celebrate and sensitize the boy child as a timely and welcome development.
DCP Agora in her remarks, expressed joy at being invited to represent the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizing the significance of focusing on the boy child, who she said is often overlooked in national conversations.
“When I told my son about this event, he was excited and said, ‘Wow, for the first time boys are being celebrated,’ because it’s always about the girl child. So, this is a welcome development,” she said.
She noted that the theme of the event is crucial, stressing that the kind of leadership the nation will have in the future depends on the investment made in children today.
“It is what we put into the children, especially the boys, that they will bring out tomorrow. We can’t expect to have good leaders if they are not properly mentored or guided.
“Some of the boys in jail today are not there because they want to be, but because they lacked guidance and role models.” She said.
DCP Agora urged parents to pay closer attention to their children, especially boys, highlighting that many children turn to drugs or crime due to neglect or lack of parental involvement.
“My advice to parents is to create time for their children. Let them speak, even if it sounds like nonsense. From that, you may find something to guide them with. No child is useless, no matter how problematic they may appear,” she emphasized.
She added that the modern-day pressures on parents, including jobs and businesses, have caused many to neglect their roles, leaving children in the care of others who may not provide the needed guidance.
The highlights of the event includes talent showcases, musical performances, dance presentations, instrumental displays,official cutting of the celebration cake, the presentation of commemorative plaques, group photographs to mark the occasion and other creative expressions by the youth.
