Clerics and child protection advocates have urged Nigerians to break the culture of silence surrounding the abuse of the boy child, warning that continued neglect and stigmatization are driving many young boys into depression, substance abuse, and other forms of self-harm
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This call was made on Saturday, November 8, 2025, during an event marking the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence, organized by the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, West Africa Region. Although the global observance holds annually on November 18, this year’s celebration was brought forward due to other safeguarding engagements scheduled for the same date
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Speaking at the event, the Regional Leader of St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ihwo (SPS), said the 2025 theme, “End the Silence on the Abuse of the Boy Child,” seeks to challenge long-held social stigmas that prevent boys and men from speaking out about abuse.
According to him, “Boys experience the same forms of abuse as girls—stalking, neglect, harassment, and sexual exploitation—but many cases go unreported because society views men as less vulnerable. The cultural expectation that boys should ‘man up’ has made many suffer in silence, often leading to depression, drug abuse, or even suicide.”
Fr. Ihwo lamented that many families fail to provide boys with the same level of emotional and intellectual care given to girls, especially during adolescence, which exposes them to harm and neglect. He added that men who experience abuse as children often struggle with unresolved trauma that may later manifest as violent or antisocial behavior.
He emphasized the need to “empower boys to speak up when they are abused—at home, in school, in church, or anywhere—without fear or shame.”
Guest speaker, Dr. Olugbenga Coker, of the Counselling, Therapy and Rehabilitation Services, advised children to be vigilant and to speak out whenever they face abuse. He stressed that “every child has the right to be safe,” noting that both boys and girls must understand that their bodies are private and deserve protection.
“There is no bad child,” Dr. Coker said. “When children are properly cared for, they grow into responsible adults. If you see something wrong, speak up—don’t keep it to yourself.”
The Parish Priest of St. Margaret Catholic Church, Olodi-Apapa, Rev. Fr. Gastone Sakala, who gave the opening remarks, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons within the community.
The event also had in attendance Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Bassey (SPS), Fr. Joseph Okpala (SPS)—the St. Patrick’s Safeguarding Designated Liaison Person for West Africa—parishioners from St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kirikiri Town, and several parish safeguarding officers.
Fr. Ihwo expressed gratitude to all participants and partners, urging continuous collaboration to create safe spaces for children. “When we protect the boy child, we protect the future,” he concluded.
