Finima, Rivers State – On May 16, 2025, the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) Education Committee hosted a landmark event in Finima to mark the International Day of the Boy Child. The day’s program drew 262 boys and young men from across Finima and nearby Bonny Island communities, underlining the community’s strong commitment to youth development. The celebration combined educational lectures, safety workshops, and lively cultural activities, all designed to empower the participants. Organizers emphasized that the event reflects Finima’s ongoing mission to support its young people with knowledge, guidance, and encouragement.

Event highlights included:

• A comprehensive talk on puberty, physical development, and self-preservation by Dr. Nathan Dambere, a local health and education advocate.
• Candid presentations by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officers on the dangers of drug abuse and the related rise of cultism.
• Interactive question-and-answer sessions, where students asked questions about personal growth and safety and received insightful answers from the speakers.
• A spirited dance competition showcasing the boys’ talents, with trophies and prizes awarded to the best performers.
• Distribution of gift packs and educational materials (such as notebooks and books) to all participating students.
• Attendance by students from multiple Finima schools, including the Government Girls Secondary School, Finima and St. Patrick’s Anglican Model School, Finima demonstrating broad community involvement.

Puberty and Personal Development Session

Dr. Nathan Dambere opened the program with a frank, age-appropriate discussion of adolescence. He spoke directly to the boys about the physical and emotional changes of puberty, making it clear that these changes are a natural part of growing up. “Puberty brings many changes—physical, emotional, and social,” Dr. Dambere told the students, stressing that understanding these changes is “the first step to taking responsibility for your own well-being.” He reassured the boys that while puberty can feel confusing, it is also a time of growth and opportunity. Dr. Dambere answered questions about topics ranging from growth spurts to mood swings, and he offered practical advice on hygiene and health. He repeatedly emphasized that taking care of one’s body and mind is a form of self-preservation. “Protect your health and dignity by making smart choices,” he advised, encouraging the boys to look out for one another and to stay focused on positive goals. His talk combined scientific explanations with local examples, helping students feel seen and informed rather than shy or embarrassed about the topic.

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NDLEA Speeches on Drug Abuse and Cultism

Representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency delivered powerful messages about the serious risks of drug use and gang involvement. In clear, forceful speeches, they warned that even casual drug experimentation can have devastating consequences. One NDLEA officer warned the crowd, “The allure of drugs may seem attractive, but the consequences can be devastating. It not only affects your health but can also derail your academic and future ambitions”. He urged the boys to remember their goals – such as finishing school and pursuing a career – and to refuse any offers of drugs that might threaten those goals. Another officer stressed that avoiding drugs is the best defence against falling into criminal gangs. He noted the data showing the link between substance abuse and cultism in Nigeria, cautioning that “drug abuse is a significant issue in our community, with 90 per cent of cultism stemming from it.” These speakers appealed to the students’ aspirations, reminding them that staying drug-free is key to achieving success. They also assured the boys that the NDLEA is working with schools and communities to support young people – encouraging them to stay focused on education and to seek help if they ever feel pressured.

Interactive Q&A with Students

Throughout the event, the organizers maintained an open, two-way dialogue with the students. After each talk, Dr. Dambere and the NDLEA officers welcomed questions from the audience. The boys asked about issues from managing the emotional ups and downs of adolescence to how to resist peer pressure from older friends. In one session, a student asked, “What should I do if someone I know offers me drugs?” In response, an NDLEA officer explained firm but respectful ways to refuse and emphasized finding support in teachers or family if faced with such a situation. Another question concerned embarrassing physical changes; Dr. Dambere answered it with sensitivity and humour, helping to normalize the experience. Organizers noted that the students were surprisingly bold in asking questions, and every query was met with a thoughtful answer. The interactive format – with boys raising hands and engaging directly – ensured that the event was not a one-way lecture but a genuine conversation. Many participants reported feeling relieved that their concerns were addressed openly, and the Q&A segments helped reinforce the lessons of the talks with practical, personalized advice.

Dance Competition and Prizes

To cap off the program on a celebratory note, the Education Committee organized a lively dance contest. Students were invited to form teams and perform dance routines reflecting Bonny Island culture as well as modern styles. The boys threw themselves into the competition, and the audience – including parents and community leaders – cheered enthusiastically. Judges from the Youth Congress awarded prizes to the top three performances, recognizing creativity, teamwork, and energy. The winning teams received trophies and certificates, and each member also took home additional gifts. In fact, every student at the event received a gift pack as a token of participation. These gift packs contained school supplies (notebooks, pens, and a selection of books) along with snacks and small games. The Education Committee had secured sponsorship from local businesses and community donors to fund these gifts. By blending education with entertainment, the event affirmed that learning can be fun. Seeing their friends dance and smiling as they received their prizes, the boys enjoyed a sense of pride and camaraderie. Organizers pointed out that these fun elements were not just for enjoyment – they helped the students remember the day’s lessons in a positive, memorable setting.

Participating Schools

Students attended from a wide range of Finima schools, reflecting the community’s collective investment in youth. Participants came from public and private institutions alike. In particular, the Government Girls Secondary School, Finima and St. Patrick’s Anglican Model School, Finima were well represented at the event. (These schools have frequently collaborated with the FYC Education Committee on past programs.) Younger boys came from Finima’s primary schools and vocational training centres, ensuring that multiple age groups were included. The inclusion of so many schools was a deliberate strategy: the Education Committee had spent the weeks leading up to the event visiting classrooms and inviting students to attend. By drawing in students from across Finima, the event reinforced a sense of unity and demonstrated that the entire community – teachers, parents, and youth leaders – stands together in support of its young men.

Long-Term Mission and Leadership

The Boy Child Day celebration was not a one-off effort, but part of the FYC Education Committee’s sustained mission. Finima’s youth leaders have long prioritized educational and social programs as a path to community development. Under the leadership of FYC Chairman Shedrack Vincent Brown, the Education Committee regularly organizes workshops, debates, scholarship drives, and school tours. In particular, the programs are coordinated through the Office of the Director of Social Affairs (DOS), held by Comrade Abraham Brown. Comrade Abraham Brown has been instrumental in planning this event and others like it. He explained that the committee aims to address not only academic needs but also the character and health of young people. “Investing in our boys today means a stronger Finima tomorrow,” he remarked. He noted that International Day of the Boy Child events are one way to reinforce positive values and give young men role models and information. The day’s festivities aligned with the committee’s broader strategy: pairing serious instruction with enjoyable activities helps keep students engaged while sending a message that the community values them. In essence, the Education Committee sees youth development as an ongoing journey, and Comrade Brown’s office ensures that programs like this one fit into a coordinated plan for social uplift.

Conclusion

The International Day of the Boy Child celebration in Finima was widely hailed as a resounding success. By combining practical education with festive celebration, the FYC Education Committee managed to reach hundreds of students in a meaningful way. Community members remarked on the event’s positive atmosphere: local leaders and parents saw happy, attentive boys leaving with notebooks in hand and smiles on their faces. The knowledge shared – about health, safety, and personal goals – equipped the students with tools for self-preservation and confidence. The lively performances and gifts ensured that the day will be remembered fondly by participants. Community media captured the event with dozens of photographs (for example, students can be seen listening intently in captured moments), creating a visual record of the engagement and joy. In her remarks at the close, a teacher praised the initiative: “This shows our boys that Finima cares about them. They will not forget today.” As the boys dispersed into the afternoon, many were heard discussing what they had learned and planning to share it with their peers and siblings. The Education Committee views this outcome as the greatest reward.

Looking ahead, the Finima Youth Congress Education Committee has pledged to build on this achievement. With the Office of the DOS coordinating future workshops, mentorship programs, and community projects, the spirit of the Boy Child Day is expected to ripple through Finima for months to come. The success of this event underscores a simple truth for the Finima community: when young people are educated, listened to, and celebrated, they become the strongest foundation for the village’s future.