…as CDS Gen. Musa urges boys to embrace discipline, integrity
By Nkechi Eze
The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) marked the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child with a landmark maiden celebration dedicated to fostering the growth and empowerment of future male leaders. Held at the Officers Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, the event carried the theme, “Celebrating Boys: Empowering and Nurturing Our Future Leaders.”
This inaugural celebration was both timely and significant, as it addressed a growing societal need to create intentional support systems for the boy child an often-overlooked demographic in national development discourse. While commendable strides have been made in promoting the rights and welfare of the girl child, there remains a visible gap in the structured guidance, emotional support, and mentorship afforded to boys.
The event served as a strategic platform to not only acknowledge the challenges boys face such as societal pressure to conform to rigid gender expectations and the lack of positive role models but also to amplify conversations around holistic development, character-building, and responsible citizenship. By launching this initiative within the security community, DEPOWA is helping to shape a new generation of boys who will grow into responsible men, capable of leading with integrity, empathy, and strength.
In her remarks, DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa, highlighted the need for greater societal support, mentorship, and emotional guidance for boys. She 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.
“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 further stressed 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 naturally 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.
Describing the celebration as part of a broader effort to promote holistic development, she explained 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.
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.
Before delivering the CDS’s speech, Rear Admiral Bankole explained that the CDS had intended to be physically present at the event, particularly at the request of his wife, but was unavoidably absent due to other urgent official engagements. He expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, highlighting its importance and the often-overlooked challenges facing the boy child.
Delivering the CDS’s keynote address titled “Celebrating Boys: Empowering and Nurturing Our Future Leaders,” Rear Admiral Bankole 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.
Despite being on official assignment, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, extended his participation in the celebration of the International Day of the Boy Child through a recorded video message, which was broadcast to participants during the event.
In his address, Gen. Musa emphasized the need for renewed commitment to the holistic development of all children. “As we commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child, it is important that we renew our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders both boys and girls,” he stated.
He acknowledged the remarkable progress made in championing the development of the girl child, but stressed the need to accord equal attention to the boy child. “Over time, there has been commendable progress in the advocacy for the development of the girl child. However, this day reminds us that the boy child equally deserves focused attention and guidance,” he said.
General Musa highlighted the importance of instilling responsibility and mutual respect in young boys. “This is a day to let our boys know that the world revolves around everyone. They must understand the value of mutual respect and responsibility. As future leaders, they have a vital role to play in building a just, safe, and prosperous society.”
While underscoring the importance of moral values and education, the CDS noted: “Our boys must stay focused, take their education seriously, and be good citizens. One day, they will become husbands, fathers, uncles, and grandfathers. The foundation they lay today will determine the quality of the future they help shape.”
He concluded with a heartfelt message of encouragement: “As we celebrate this meaningful occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to every boy child. We believe in you, we support you, and we want you to succeed not only for the good of Nigeria, but for the advancement of humanity.”
Also addressing participants at the event, Dr. Chief Mekwueye Eric, Chief Executive 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 representative of 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 senior officer concluded with a heartfelt plea for parents to be more present in their children’s lives, emphasizing that the future of the nation rests on how today’s children are raised.
The event featured an engaging array of activities, including talent showcases, musical performances, dance presentations, instrumental displays, and other creative expressions by the youth.
Notable highlights of the ceremony included the official cutting of the celebration cake, the presentation of commemorative plaques, and group photographs to mark the occasion.
The event concluded with expressions of appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to youth development. Commendation was also extended to the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for organizing the event and for its continued advocacy in advancing the cause of the boy child.
