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International Day of The Boy-Child: Sexual Abuse Against Boys is More Prevalent Than We Know

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On this International Day of the Boy Child, it is important to draw attention to a pressing issue that warrants immediate action: sexual abuse against boys. Global statistics reveals that approximately 1 in 6 boys worldwide experience some form of sexual abuse before adulthood. Regrettably, these figures likely underestimate the true scope of the problem due to stigma, shame, and societal disbelief.

One of the most troubling aspects of this crisis is the neglect of sexual abuse against boys. Survivors frequently face scepticism and blame, with their experiences dismissed due to harmful misconceptions. The horrifying reality is that some believe if a boy experiences an erection during abuse, or actively participated in the act, somehow implies consent or enjoyment, perpetuating a culture of silence and shame, leaving survivors feeling isolated and invalidated.

It is important to emphasize that abuse perpetrated against boys below the age of consent constitutes rape, regardless of whether they actively participated in the act. The age of consent varies globally but typically ranges from 16 to 18 years old. Any sexual activity with a child below the age of consent is a violation of their rights and is a criminal offence.

The long-term effect of sexual abuse on boys are profound, extending beyond immediate trauma. Male survivors often suffer psychological and emotional challenges, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. The impact of abuse can persist into adulthood, impacting self-esteem, ability to trust others, and overall well-being.

It is clear that urgent action is needed to address this crisis and safeguard the rights of the boy child. We must advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of boys and establish social support centres that offer specialized services exclusive to male survivors of sexual abuse. These centers would provide a nurturing environment for boys to access the care and support needed for recovery.

It is critical to also acknowledge that women can abuse and rape boys. No survivor should be overlooked or dismissed based on the gender of their abuser and punishment for female perpetrators of abuse against boys must be enforced and taken seriously, just as it is for male perpetrators. All survivors deserve justice and support, regardless of the gender of their abuser. This equitable approach ensures that survivors are not further victimized by societal biases and that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions, irrespective of their gender.

We must challenge the harmful stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate the stigma surrounding boy-child sexual abuse. Fellow men, in particular, have a responsibility to stand in solidarity with survivors and create a culture of empathy and support. It is time to put an end to the mockery and derision faced by boys and men who speak up about their experiences as survivors of sexual abuse.

Policy alone is not enough. Parents play a crucial role in protecting their sons from abuse by fostering open communication, teaching boundaries, and empowering them to speak up. We must also educate boys about consent, healthy relationships, and their right to bodily autonomy, empowering them to recognize and resist abuse.

We must confront the crisis of sexual abuse against boys head-on, dismantling barriers that prevent male survivors from seeking help and speaking out. By advocating for gender-specific support services and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, we can create a world where all boys and men receive the assistance they need to heal and thrive.

In conclusion, achieving gender equality in access to support services for male survivors of sexual abuse is a fundamental human right. As we commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, receive the support and assistance they need to heal and thrive.

Halima Layeni
Founder & Executive Director
Life After Abuse Foundation

About Halima Layeni

Halima Layeni is an incandescent advocate for men’s mental health, leading the charge as the Founder and Executive Director of Life After Abuse Foundation. Through her leadership, Halima is reshaping the global discourse surrounding mental health equity and gender equality with a specific emphasis on advancing men’s mental health on a global scale.

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‘Band A’ community in Lagos experience Blackout for three-months

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…Begs IKEDC to fix faulty transformer

Residents and business owners on six streets — Raji Oba, Awoyemi, Folarin, Ajala, Olonade and Akinshola — in Alimosho area of Lagos State have decried the over three months’ power outage.

Frustrated by the prolonged blackout caused by a faulty transformer supplying power to the area, the residents took to social media asking the Ikeja Distribution Company to fix their faulty transformer.

According to them, the power outage which started since second week of March 2025 is crippling businesses and severely impacting the quality of life in the community.

The residents called on Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) to urgently look into situation and address the prolonged power outage by fixing the faulty transformer in the area.

It was gathered that the six streets are categorised under the Band A, and ought to enjoy 20 to 24 hours of power supply daily.

However, these consumers complained that this has not been the case for over three months since the transformer was taken away.

They added that the prolonged lack of supply of electricity has made them vulnerable to attacks from marauders who operate under the cover of darkness.

One of the residents, Micheal, said the lack of power supply had worsened commercial activities in the community, adding that access to water resources had also been affected.

Michael said: “So, we are pleading as a community, as one, for Ikeja Electric and the appropriate authorities to listen to our cries to save our communities.

Olonade-Akinsola and other streets have always been a good community and we want it to remain like this.”

“We have been struggling in darkness,” another resident, who identified herself as Mama Chioma, said.

“We have been in total blackout for over three months, crippling businesses. We are pleading with IKEDC to urgently address this,” she further pleaded.

In a letter dated March 16 and addressed to IKEDC by the Olonade-Akinsola community titled: ‘Urgent request for Band A intervention on prolonged power outage in our community’, it noted that several efforts and reports have been made to IKEDC’s customer service and local office, but the situation remains unresolved.

“The power failure has severely impacted our daily activities, businesses, healthcare services and overall well-being in these six streets.

“We are yet to receive a clear response regarding an estimated time for restoration.

The continuous blackout has caused significant discomfort, economic losses, security concerns within our community.

“In the light of the above, we respectfully request urgent intervention and directive to the appropriate department to expedite the resolution of this issue,” the letter read in part.

The community further called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to urgently intervene in the situation.

Source: Tribune

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Hon Alli -Balogun Hails Zedcrest Group’s Financial Literacy Journal for Kids •Urges Parents : “Teach Your Children About Money Management Lessons “

Zedcrest Group had unveiled the two educational books, “The A-Z of Finance Colouring Book” and “Zedcrest Little Heroes: A Financial Literacy Journal for Kids”, at a book reading and launch event held in commemoration of International Children’s Day 2025.

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L-R: Executive Director, Zedcrest Wealth, Abass Akinsanya; Head, Brands and Communications, Zedcrest Group, Oyinkansola Adeboye; Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun and Director, MacTay Consulting, Tunde Rotimi.

The Lagos State Government has called on parents across the state to collaborate with teachers and other key stakeholders to ensure that their children excel not only in core subjects but also in financial literacy.

The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, made this call when he received a delegation from a leading financial services company, Zedcrest Group, on a courtesy visit to his office.

Hon Alli-Balogun said that the state government has been intentional about integrating financial literacy into the curriculum for students in both private and public schools.

He urged parents to complement these efforts by taking advantage of every opportunity to teach their children valuable money management lessons.

Hon Alli-Balogun also emphasized that care is being taken to ensure students’ learning materials reflect and celebrate diversity, promote and preserve indigenous cultures, and prioritize localized learning for greater relatability and improved learning outcomes.

Earlier, Zedcrest Group Managing Director, Adedayo Amzat, represented by the Executive Director, Sales and Business Development at Zedcrest Wealth, Abass Akinsanya, stated that the delegation was at the commissioner’s office to officially present the company’s latest initiative; two interactive financial literacy books for children aged seven and under.

Akinsanya explained that Zedcrest Group launched the books in line with its mission to improve economic outcomes by promoting financial literacy across all segments of society.

Zedcrest Group had unveiled the two educational books, “The A-Z of Finance Colouring Book” and “Zedcrest Little Heroes: A Financial Literacy Journal for Kids”, at a book reading and launch event held in commemoration of International Children’s Day 2025.

He added that building a more financially inclusive society begins with educating the next generation of responsible adults, and with the launch of these financial literacy books, Zedcrest is already leading the charge.

Zedcrest’s Head of Brands and Communications, Oyinkansola Adeboye, presented the books to the commissioner

She disclosed that plans are underway to distribute them nationwide.

” Zedcrest will leverage its existing partnership with MacTay, a key stakeholder in the state government’s “Adopt a School” program, to ensure that pupils in public primary schools across the state can access the books through the organisation’s not-for-profit arm, MacTay Foundation,” she said.

Adeboye appreciated the commissioner for the warm reception and for sharing valuable insights on the current state of financial education in Nigeria.

Zedcrest Group had unveiled the two educational books, “The A-Z of Finance Colouring Book” and “Zedcrest Little Heroes: A Financial Literacy Journal for Kids”, at a book reading and launch event held in commemoration of International Children’s Day 2025.

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Yelewata killings: We won’t rest until Benue is peaceful and secure – SGF Akume

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The pain is raw. The sorrow is deep.

Senator Dr George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation , arrived his homestead – Benue, and shares on his X:

” I returned home, ahead of @officialABAT ’s condolence visit to Benue, weighed down by the grief of the Yelewata killings.

I was at the sites of the attack, met survivors who spoke through tears, & visited those fighting for their lives at BSUTH.

The pain is raw. The sorrow is deep.

I brought Mr. President’s heartfelt condolences to the people & the FG’s commitment to end this pogrom.

But I also bring my personal vow too- I will not abandon my own.

I will stand with you- and we will not rest till our homesteads are secure & peace returns to our lands.

At the Market IDP camp, I met families still reeling from loss — displaced, grieving, and living in difficult conditions. Their resilience moved me deeply.

This crisis has gone on too long. No one deserves to live in fear or uncertainty in their own homeland.This really hurts.”

Ohibaba.com

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