From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Iron has disclosed that the neglect of the boy child over time is responsible for the high crime rate and moral decadence in the society.
Hon. Irom made this known in an address she presented as part of activities to celebrate the 2024 International Day of the Boy Child in the state.
She emphasized the need to also pay attention to boys as this will ensure a gender balanced society while charging the boys to stay away from negative social vices.
“Over the years, so much attention had been paid to the girl child while the boys were neglected hence the high rate of crime, violence and moral decadence in the society.
‘There is the need to also pay attention to the boys in order to have a gender -balanced society.
“Our boys should stay away from drugs, cultism, homosexuality and focus on their academics in order to live a healthy and wealthy life”, she said.
Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang welcomed the celebration of the day of the boy child in the state by the women affairs ministry.
He admonished the boys to take their academics seriously and shun peer pressure in order to grow up to become responsible citizens who will contribute meaningfully to the development of the society.
A member of Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Gender, Hon. Dr. Martins Achadu in his remarks charged the boys to remain focused on their studies, resist peer pressure and be determined to become great men who will be relevant to the society in future.
This year’s day of the boy child has as theme “Health and Wellbeing”, and is the first time the day is commemorated in the state.