WINGS NGO Breaks Record: invite SA to the Governor, Top Artists and other Mentors to WAPI for the Intl day of the Boy Child.

The International Day of the Boy Child is celebrated annually on May 16th, aiming to highlight the unique challenges faced by boys and advocate for their well-being and development. This day was initiated by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh in 2018, following his efforts to promote International Men’s Day since 1999.

On this note, an NGO by the name Women in Gender Support Initiative organized an avenue in school to celebrate young boys in Cross River State, with the theme \”the authentic boy exploring positive masculinity, strength, and inclusiveness.\” The event took place at the West African People Institute, known as WAPI, involving different speakers and sponsors around Cross River State.

The event started with an open speech from Ms. Abundance Dickson, who officially introduced the NGO and why such a gathering exists; afterwards, the moderator, Ms. Grace Womi, took up from there.

It was an interactive session as the speakers highlighted several issues ongoing around the boy child. One of the speakers, Uket Friday, the Coordinator, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), stressed what it means to be an authentic, free from societal pressure and stereotypes but rather learning how to express themselves positively.

Mr. Arikpo Williams, the Coordinator of the coalition for the promotion of gender justice and advocate for HE4SHE, spoke about positive masculinity as being responsible and shunning all forms of negative behaviors like involving in crimes, abuse, and drugs. He advised the boys to channel their energy into positive things, like focusing on their studies and avoiding negative peer pressure, because it will enable them to become great men and role models for the next generation of young boys.

Charles Ofem, popularly known as Challex D Boss, one of the guest speakers in his speech, talked about how being focused in his music career has taken him to places. He added that the boy child should frown about negative behaviors and uphold good values while staying focused. He went further by telling the boys not to forget the God factor in their lives in order to grow.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Utibe Abasi Bassey Duke, advised the boys in her speech to protect the girl child by standing up for her and being supportive of the girls even in their homes, leadership positions, and wherever they find themselves. She advised the boys not to use the girl as a source to check their masculinity because it is a crime against human rights, and as young boys, they should be of good behavior in society.

During the course of the event, over six mentors—Mr. Umoh Christopher, Mr. Ofem Prince Inah, Mr. Osumuo Gabriel, Usogit Naikak, and Mr. Anietie Justine—who were available divided the boys into groups where they interacted with mentors concerning health, education, career, and their overall well-being.

After a passionate discussion with available mentorship leaders, students show their willingness by asking questions and sharing their lesson for the day.
Special appreciation to the sponsors who contributed to the success of the event financially and provided refreshments for the Marie Stopes Cross River and Double M events.
Aloes cakes