Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called for increased investment in the boy-child as a sustainable strategy to end gender-based violence (GBV) in the society.

The call was made known by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender-Based Violence, Barrister Maryann Nkwegu, at the conclusion of a five-week Radio Tour Initiative held in Abakaliki.

The programme, themed ‘Male Inclusivity on Gender-Based Awareness: The Future from Boys to Gentlemen,” focused on raising emotionally healthy and responsible boys as a long-term solution to GBV.

Nkwegu, who’s the convener commended Governor Nwifuru and the First Lady of Ebonyi State, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, for their unwavering support and stressed that many harmful adult behaviors, including violence and emotional suppression, often originate from early childhood socialisation.

According to her, boys who are taught to suppress emotions or equate strength with aggression may grow into men who exhibit abusive tendencies.

She noted that effective GBV prevention must begin early, adding that boys equipped with empathy, discipline, accountability, and respect are more likely to become protectors rather than perpetrators.

Nkwegu emphasised that the men society will depend on tomorrow are the boys being raised today, insisting that safe homes and peaceful communities can only be achieved through intentional guidance that promotes positive masculinity and respect for boundaries.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, alongside the State Student Union Leader, Mr. Alfred Nwuruku, urged young people to take active responsibility in ending gender-based violence.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi State Chapter, Comrade Nkechi Oginyi, highlighted the role of the media in GBV advocacy while calling for deeper grassroots sensitization.

Also, the General Manager of Time Consult Ltd., Comrade Chioma Nkwegu, encouraged residents to report all GBV cases to local government GBV coordinators or any state GBV office.

Participants, including Mr. Nweke Aloke from Izzi, Anyigor Stanley from Ezza North, and others from Ogoja in Cross River State, commended the initiative and appealed for its expansion to rural communities to ensure wider impact.