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Neglect of the boy-child ―Social Implications of the female empowerment

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5 years ago

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Would female empowerment lead to the neglect of the boy-child in Nigeria?

A man named Ambrose is seated perusing a magazine. He pauses at some page and shares his thoughts with his friend, Ann.

Ambrose:

Look, these girls that you guys are empowering will still grow up to marry these boys that you are neglecting.

Ann:

(trying to understand)

Explain better.

Ambrose:

Nowadays, you see girls achieving more than the boys in schools. You see opportunities like scholarship programmes for girls just like the one in this magazine. Conferences and seminars and the whole fuzz about the girl child. But you hardly see anything for the boy child. We have neglected the boys so much that they are now on the streets leading in crimes like kidnapping, rituals, yahoo (internet fraud) and the likes. These boys are also the highest population in prison, while the girls are leading with flying colours in different sectors.

Ann:

(Still trying to understand) Okay…So, what is the problem?

Ambrose:

That is what I’m saying. We are now so focused on the female child that we abandon the boy child and leave them on their own to figure out life. When these ladies are ready for marriage, they will not find the boys that would meet their standards because these boys would probably be in prison or living recklessly. The boys that might even manage to have a decent living would become intimidated by the intelligence and high status of these girls that they would feel unworthy to marry them. The girls would become desperate for a suitable partner and then the scripture that says “…in that day, seven women will take hold of one man…” will be fulfilled.

Ann:

Oh, I see. To begin this conversation however, there are some generalisations that would need to be made specific.

First things first. Who are you referring to as “you guys” and “we”?

Ambrose:

Ur..m, basically, that’s just a “blanket word” for society.

Ann:

Hold on. We will not be able to have a successful conversation if we both throw “blanket words”. If a problem must be tackled, there must be specifics; so you have to ruminate.

Ambrose:

(Thinks hard) Really, I just used that word.

Ann:

Let me assist you. Many women/girls empowerment and rescue programmes are pioneered by women, especially older women. Right?

Ambrose:

Yes

Ann:

So, can we safely agree that “you guys” and “we” have a pragmatic implicature referring to the women?

Man:

(Takes a deep breath) Something like that.

Ann:

Okay. We got the missing link in your complaint. Women.

Ambrose and Ann:

(Chuckles)

Ann:

You see, growing up as a child, my siblings and I had this attitude loosely called “ha sirim chuwa ewu” in Igbo.

When we individually see a potentially harmful object obstructing a walkway at home or an object that is not supposed to be where it is, we would just ignore and carefully pass around it because, in our minds, we were not the ones who kept it there. What is more? We were not told to remove it. So, our mom, upon noticing that behaviour, would rebuke “ha asirim chuwa ewu”, come on take that thing out of the way!”

Ambrose:

(Laughs)What does that mean?

Ann: 

I was just going to explain that. It is emanated from an illustration of a person who refuses to chase a goat away from eating a tuber of yam until they are told to do so. “Ha sirim chuwa ewu” literally means, “they told me to chase goat” but its contextual meaning is also extended to a person or a group of people who avoid partaking in the solution of a problem that would benefit a certain number of people including themselves. We see this behaviour exhibited by politicians who would rather hoard national funds than use it to the benefit of all thereby resulting in the stagnation we constantly experience.

Anyways, back to our talk.

If the women have taken the responsibility of seeing to the empowerment of these young girls, should it not be an exemplary act for the men to emulate instead of guilt-tripping the efforts of these women by saying they (the women) are abandoning the boys?

Let’s look at the idea of parenting in this society. Most fathers would prefer to spend their time with their friends in the beer parlour as long as they have fulfilled the responsibility of providing financially for the family (even though we know that in our social reality, women are active breadwinners as their partners).

The term “work and family balance” is used for career women and not men because subconsciously, when we think of training a child, we think only of the women. This has resulted in the absence of fathers in the parenting role of training a child aside from finance. Implying that the empowerment of girls has resulted in the abandonment of the boy child sounds like a hypocritical statement because this problem has been there all along. The empowerment of the girl-child just made it obvious. And if at all, a conversation should be made about this abandonment, it should be a solution-driven conversation amongst the men, older men especially, on how they can assume the responsible role of grooming and empowering the boy-child.

Ann:

Moving on to your scriptural quote on the clinging of seven women to one man- (laughs heartily)

Ambrose:

(Chuckles) No, speak on. I’m listening.

Ann:

Honestly, I find that a ridiculous reference- no offense intended.

Ambrose:

(Nods)

Ann:

First, it is alarming how a girl, despite her achievements and contribution to society, is judged by her ability or inability to get married, suffocating her choice to accept or decline what we consider marriage. This is another subconscious thought that contrasts what it means to be human.

On top of that, you quoted biblical scripture to back up this bias. Would you still quote that scripture if you remembered that before Christianity was introduced, polygyny had been a cultural practice? Would you still make reference to that scripture if you acknowledged that other religions like Islam exist aside from Christianity? Would you still feel the urge to pin the empowerment of girls as the basis for the fulfillment of that scripture because you feel boys are abandoned?

Dear Ambrose, this conversation is not meant to be an attack but an attempt to resurrect critical and humane thoughts that would elicit responsibility from the older men in solving the problem of the male child abandonment that you have raised.

(Extends hand to Ambrose)

Ambrose: (smiles) shake hands.

♦ Favour Chiagozie Ebubechukwu is an Editorial  Staff Writer and columnist with the WAP

 

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Education

Professor Josephine Onyido Earns Prestigious Nigerian Academy of Education Induction

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1 week ago

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September 26, 2026

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University of Port Harcourt scholar will be inducted into Nigeria’s apex education academy in Abuja, marking another milestone in a career spanning teaching, research, leadership, mentorship and advocacy

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Professor Josephine Azuka Onyido, an accomplished scholar and academic leader at the University of Port Harcourt, will be inducted into the Nigerian Academy of Education on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in recognition of her contributions to the advancement of education.

The ceremony, scheduled for the Conference Hall of the National Commission for Colleges of Education in Abuja, places Onyido among scholars recognized for sustained contributions to education, research, and academic development in Nigeria.

A Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Port Harcourt, Onyido has built a career encompassing teaching, research, administration, mentorship, curriculum development, and institutional service.

She described the forthcoming recognition as both an honor and a renewed obligation to education. “I receive this recognition with profound gratitude and humility. My journey in education has always been driven by the belief that scholarship must extend beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to society. This induction is not simply a personal achievement; it strengthens my responsibility to continue advancing quality education, mentoring future scholars, and promoting opportunities for women and girls. I am deeply grateful to my family, colleagues, students, and everyone who has been part of this journey.”

Onyido earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English), a Master of Education, and a Ph.D. in Sociology of Education. She is also a permanent member of the University of Port Harcourt Senate. Her scholarly record includes more than 90 journal articles, book chapters and Sociology of Education Made Easy, a textbook developed to make concepts in the discipline more accessible to students.

Much of her research examines the intersection of education and society, with particular emphasis on gender, women’s empowerment, educational development, social justice and the rights of women and girls. Her work advocates translating academic research into policies and practices that expand educational opportunities and strengthen human-capital development.

Beyond research, Onyido has occupied several academic leadership positions. She served as Acting Head of the Department of Educational Foundations from 2021 to 2023 and has worked as the Departmental Coordinator of Postgraduate Programs, the Anti-Plagiarism Coordinator, the Academic Adviser, and the Editor of the Port Harcourt Journal of Education Studies.

Her influence also extends beyond her university. She has served as an external examiner for several institutions and has participated as a resource person for the National Teachers’ Institute, the University of Port Harcourt, the Centers for Higher Education and Sandwich Programs, and the National Universities Commission verification exercise.

Internationally, Onyido represented the Niger Delta Development Commission at the African Women in Leadership Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, expanding her engagement with issues of women’s leadership, empowerment, and social transformation.

She belongs to several professional organizations, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, the Association of Sociologists of Education of Nigeria, and the International Association for Gender Equity.

Her academic and community work have earned numerous recognitions, including the Millennium Development Ambassador Award, Lecturer of the Year, Outstanding Project Supervisor, and Professional Service awards.

Yet Onyido’s story also reaches deeply into heritage and service. She is the great-great-granddaughter of King Josiah Constance Ockiya, MINGI VII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom and Supreme King of Brass. Her great-grandfather, Rev. Daniel Ockiya, translated the Bible into the Nembe language.

A committed Catholic and Jerusalem pilgrim, she has also served in church and community leadership positions and was recognized by the Catholic Women Organization of the Port Harcourt Diocese as a “Quintessential Woman.”

For Onyido, the November 4 induction represents more than another distinction on an extensive academic résumé. It recognizes a career built around an enduring principle: education achieves its greatest value when knowledge is transformed into opportunity, service, and social progress.

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Houston

PCNI Elevates Chief Dr. Emmanuel Opara to Patron in Historic Ihiagwa Investiture

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1 week ago

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September 26, 2026

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Sugar Land People’s Club leaders celebrate their First Vice Chairman’s December 22 investiture, describing the honor as recognition of leadership, scholarship, service, and commitment to the enduring ideals of the People’s Club

HOUSTON, TEXAS — All roads will lead to Ihiagwa, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, on December 22, 2026, as members, associates, and well-wishers of People’s Club of Nigeria International gather for the Patronship Investiture of Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Uzoma Opara, First Vice Chairman of the Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI).

The ceremony will mark another milestone for the Sugar Land branch, historically recognized within the organization as its First International Branch, and will elevate one of its senior officers into the distinguished circle of PCNI patrons.

Since its inception in 1971, the People’s Club of Nigeria has developed into an international social and philanthropic organization with branches in Nigeria, the United States, and Europe. Its tradition emphasizes fellowship, community service, and the principles of Love, Unity, and Service.

Within that tradition, patronship carries significance beyond a ceremonial title. Patrons are expected to serve as senior advisers, custodians of institutional values, and respected voices in sustaining the organization’s heritage and direction. The recognition is traditionally associated with sustained service, leadership, and commitment to the Club and society.

For Opara, the honor also recognizes a professional life extending far beyond community leadership.

An academic and technology specialist, Opara’s scholarly interests span cybersecurity, digital and media forensics, artificial intelligence, and Agentic AI. His research includes digital forensic investigation, incident response and threat analysis, memory analysis, advanced-adversary containment and intrusion detection, including applications of Python programming.

His work also engages with memory forensics and investigative technologies, as well as the offensive and defensive dimensions of cybersecurity, commonly characterized as Red Team and Blue Team operations.

Opara is a Fellow of the International Information Management Association (FIIMA) and serves as an Associate Editor of the Journal of International Technology and Information Management (JITIM).

Reflecting on the forthcoming investiture, Opara described the recognition as a responsibility rather than simply another distinction.

“I receive this honor with profound gratitude and humility. Patronship represents a responsibility to protect the values that have sustained People’s Club for generations: love, unity, service, and genuine fellowship. Whatever we achieve professionally becomes more meaningful when we use our knowledge, experience, and resources to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for others. I look forward to serving the Club at an even greater level.”

Grand Patron of SLPCNI, Hon. Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu, said Opara’s elevation reflects the leadership qualities expected of those entrusted with preserving the organization’s legacy. “Chief Dr. Opara represents the combination of intellectual accomplishment, community service, and organizational commitment that the People’s Club should continue to encourage. Patronship is not merely about recognition; it carries an obligation to guide, support and protect the institution. We are proud that another leader from our Sugar Land family has earned this important honor.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman of SLPCNI, said the investiture demonstrates the depth of leadership within the Sugar Land branch. “This is a proud moment for Sugar Land People’s Club. Chief Dr. Opara has distinguished himself through service, scholarship, and dedication to our organization. His investiture strengthens our branch while reinforcing our connection to the national and international People’s Club family. We congratulate him and look forward to celebrating with him in Ihiagwa.”

The December gathering is expected to draw PCNI leaders, patrons, members, family, friends, and community representatives from Nigeria and abroad. Beyond the pageantry of the ceremony, however, Opara’s investiture carries a broader institutional message: leadership within the People’s Club is ultimately measured by service.

On December 22, Ihiagwa will host the celebration. But for Sugar Land, the occasion will also be a celebration of one of its own—a scholar, technology professional, and community leader entering a new chapter of responsibility in the People’s Club tradition.

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Houston

Membership Surge Continues as Dr. Nkem Ugwu Joins People’s Club

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2 weeks ago

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September 20, 2026

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Following a successful induction ceremony, the First International Branch continues to attract new members drawn to its tradition of friendship, service, culture, and community

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS — The Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI) is continuing its membership expansion following its recently concluded induction ceremony, with Dr. Nkem Ugwu becoming one of the latest community members to join the organization.

Ugwu, a Sugar Land resident originally from Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, is an entrepreneur and mother of three sons, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. She describes service to others, family, and community engagement as important parts of her personal and professional life.

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu addressing the September Conference of the Sugar Land PCNI

Her membership comes on the heels of the branch’s successful bi-annual induction ceremony, during which 16 new members were formally sworn in by PCNI National President Atty. Fidelis Onyebueke. The celebration attracted national leaders, patrons, and members representing branches from across the People’s Club network.

Photo from left: Hon. Chief Sir Michael Okeke; Hon. Anaeto Okakpu “Oranwezuluaku”; Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu; Hon. Dr. Nkem Ugwu ; Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman; Hon. Chief, Sir Basil Mbuba; Hon. Chief Sir Dr. Uche Egbuchuam “Akudo World Wide.”

Ugwu said joining the organization provides an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships while contributing to its mission.

“I am truly excited and honored to join the prestigious People’s Club of Nigeria International, Sugar Land Branch. I look forward to getting to know fellow members, building lasting friendships, and becoming actively involved in this vibrant and welcoming community. I am especially drawn to the Club’s tradition of fellowship, service, and mutual support, and I hope to contribute my experience, energy, and passion for serving others to its continued growth.”

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu welcomed Ugwu, describing continued interest in membership as encouraging for the historic First International Branch.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe and Hon. Ndidi Chidume

“When people of accomplishment and community spirit continue to identify with our organization, it tells us that the values upon which People’s Club was built remain relevant. We welcome Dr. Ugwu and look forward to the experience and fellowship she brings to our family.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman, said the branch’s recent induction helped showcase an organization that continues to combine Nigerian cultural heritage with community engagement in Houston.

“Our successful induction created tremendous enthusiasm, but our focus goes beyond ceremonies. We are building a stronger organization rooted in friendship, responsibility and service. Dr. Ugwu’s decision to join reflects that continuing momentum.”

One of the meeting hosts, Hon. Professor Keih George, introduces the co-meeting hosts.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe said the branch remains interested in individuals prepared to participate actively in its programs and fellowship.

“Membership is about belonging, but it is equally about participation and contribution. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ugwu and other prospective members who share the principles and aspirations of People’s Club.”

For SLPCNI, the growing interest following its induction represents another chapter in the evolution of a branch with a special place in the organization’s history.

And for Ugwu, it marks the beginning of a new journey—one centered on friendship, community, and service.

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