Isiyaku Ahmed
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing emotionally healthy and responsible young boys as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force spokesperson, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the event, held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, featured students of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) School and focused on promoting the welfare, protection, and development of the boy child.
With the themes “Flourish and Thrive: Investing in Boys for Stronger Families and Communities” and “Breaking the Silence: Boys and Mental Health,” the program called on parents, teachers, and leaders to challenge stereotypes that discourage boys from expressing emotions or seeking psychological help.
Speaking during the event, the Head of the Force Education Unit, DCP Ibidapo Oludare Olubiyi, said many boys suffer emotional burdens due to societal expectations that compel them to suppress their feelings and vulnerabilities.
According to him, society often teaches boys that discussing fear, pain, or emotional struggles reflects weakness, stressing that such beliefs must change to create healthier individuals and communities.
He noted that breaking the silence surrounding boys’ mental health begins with creating safe spaces where they can freely express themselves without fear of shame or judgment.
Olubiyi added that true courage lies in the ability to communicate emotions honestly and seek support when necessary.
He disclosed that counselling units staffed with qualified professionals had been established at police schools nationwide to address learners’ emotional and psychological challenges.
Addressing the students, the Inspector-General of Police urged boys to redefine traditional notions of masculinity, emphasizing that real strength is not in concealing emotions but in seeking help when needed.
The IGP reminded the students that “a problem shared is a problem half-solved,” stressing that mental health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical health.
He further stated that the country’s future largely depends on the values instilled in boys today, noting that disciplined and compassionate boys would grow into responsible fathers, trustworthy leaders, and dedicated police officers.
IGP Disu also commended the sacrifices of parents and educators in shaping the younger generation while cautioning students against peer pressure, cyberbullying, cultism, substance abuse, and negative social media influence.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its resolve not only to combat crime but also to raise confident, respectful, and emotionally balanced young people capable of driving peace, innovation, and positive change in society.
