By Cynthia Talatu Batuta
Publisher and media advocate, Princess Joy Idam, has called on parents, government, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to pay greater attention to the protection, education and emotional development of the boy child as part of efforts to build a balanced and progressive society.
In a statement issued to commemorate the 2026 International Boy Child Day observed annually on May 16, Princess Joy Idam said the well-being of boys remains critical to national development, peaceful coexistence and the future stability of society.
She noted that this year’s theme, “Building Positive Futures for Boys: Nurture, Educate, Protect,” highlights the urgent need for collective action towards addressing the growing challenges facing young boys in society.
Princess Joy Idam expressed concern over what she described as the increasing neglect of the boy child in conversations surrounding child rights, protection and social development.
According to her, although significant progress has been made in advancing the girl child agenda, boys also face serious challenges including exposure to violence, peer pressure, substance abuse, absence of positive male role models and societal expectations that discourage emotional expression.
She stated that protecting and empowering the boy child should not be viewed as a competition with the girl child agenda, but rather as an important step towards balanced nation-building.
“A boy who is properly nurtured, educated and protected will grow into a responsible man capable of contributing positively to society, respecting women and upholding justice,” she stated.
Princess Joy Idam urged governments at all levels to strengthen policies and programmes that address the mental health, education and protection needs of boys, especially those in vulnerable communities.
She also called for the promotion of positive masculinity through emotional intelligence, responsibility and respect for gender equality from an early age.
The media advocate further stressed the need to combat violence, exploitation, bullying, child labour and the recruitment of boys into violent activities.
She equally advocated increased investment in mentorship programmes and safe spaces where boys can interact with positive role models and freely express themselves. To this end she announced and solicited support from the Public to celebrate The Boy Child on May 27th 2026.
Princess Joy Idam reaffirmed her commitment to using the media as a platform to amplify issues affecting the boy child and to promote policies that support the holistic development of every Nigerian child regardless of gender.