By Christiana Abogunrin
A young boy named Kelechi (not real name) once stood in his mother’s kitchen, eagerly helping her prepare dinner. She smiled as she watched her son, thinking of the bright future ahead for him—how he would one day become a man, a pillar of strength, love, and support.
Like many mothers, she believed in his potential to grow into someone who would contribute positively to his community and bring joy to those around him.
As we celebrate Boyfriend’s Day today (Thursday), we honor the male child, recognizing their role as friends, partners, and future leaders.
These boys, like Kelechi, are crucial to the fabric of our society. They hold the promise of being caring partners, dependable friends, and responsible men. Yet, alongside this celebration, we must face an unsettling truth—the rise of femicide, with boyfriends at the heart of many of these tragic cases.
In recent years, the internet has been awash with horrifying stories of young women losing their lives at the hands of their boyfriends. Whether driven by personality disorder, greed, ritualistic practices, or societal pressures to achieve success at all costs, these acts of violence are stark reminders that some of the same boys we celebrate today are also being led down destructive paths.
We are forced to ask ourselves: what went wrong? How did the potential for love and companionship become marred by violence and greed?
Dear Men, who is pressuring you? Do we blame society for setting a standard that forces our boys to become somewhat criminal elements? I beg to differ!
It is you who has set a time frame and standard for yourself. You have said, “I suppose don hammer when i dey 21 years”!
“Wetin be prado wey I nor fit get for my 23rd birthday?”
You want to have your own car and apartment even when it is fiscally impossible.
You have said, “At age 25 I want to be a billionaire.” Completely ignoring process, delayed reward and growth.
And you begin to run around and engage in criminal and abominable acts. The sad reality is, the society that supposedly pressured you will judge you without mercy.
You need to wake up! Understand that material resources don’t define who you are. And if you are so desperate, channel your desperation to create goodness, greatness and prosperity through legitimate means.
Today, as we celebrate boyfriends, we must also confront the urgent need to support the male child in healthier ways, reminding them that their worth is not tied to material success, and that violence against women is a reflection of a deeper societal crisis that must be addressed.
Editor’s note: Featured image has late Favour Oladele, a student of LASU who was killed by her boyfriend Adeeko Owolabi with assistance from her mother and Prophet Segun Philips
