Former Peter Obi has expressed concern over the condition of the boy child in Nigeria, citing insecurity, poverty, hunger and inadequate investment in education and healthcare as major threats to their future.
Obi made the remarks in a post shared on his X handle on Sunday to commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child.
Quoting late former South African President Nelson Mandela, Obi wrote: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
The former Anambra State governor described the occasion as an opportunity for “sober reflection” on the future of boys in Nigeria amid growing insecurity and economic hardship.
“Yesterday, the global community marked the International Day of the Boy Child. For me, it was a day of sober reflection on the future of the boy child in a nation like ours, where the horrible spate of insecurity, mass abductions, hunger, and inadequate investment in health and education constantly jeopardise the lives and futures of our children,” he wrote.
Obi stressed that while children are often described as leaders of tomorrow, their future cannot be guaranteed without deliberate efforts to secure their lives and invest in their development.
“It is generally believed that our children are the leaders of tomorrow, and rightly so. However, one wonders how our children will lead society tomorrow if we fail to secure their lives and future today,” he stated.
He added that the boy child must be equipped with quality education, practical skills and positive values to become responsible and productive members of society.
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“For him to become a responsible and productive member of society, the boy child must be given a sound basic education, empowered with productive skills, and mentored with the right progressive values that help build a better society,” Obi said.
Referencing American social reformer Frederick Douglass, he added: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
The former presidential candidate urged government and society to end neglect and abuse against boys and invest more in their future.
“We must stop the neglect and abuse we unleash on our boy children and begin to secure their lives and invest in their future for the sake of our collective future as a nation,” he said.
Obi also encouraged boys across the country not to give up on their dreams despite prevailing challenges.
“And to every boy child out there: do not give up on your dreams. We are on a journey toward building a nation that not only secures your life and invests in your future but also helps you grow and fuels your dreams so that you can embrace global opportunities that match your talents and aspirations,” he wrote.
The International Day of the Boy Child is observed annually on May 16 to promote the development of emotionally intelligent, confident and responsible boys while complementing ongoing advocacy for girls’ rights.