The Idoma paramount ruler, Och'Idoma, His Royal Highness, John Elaigwu Odogbo, and Dr. Otive Igbuzor of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development Centre (LSD) have raised concerns that many responsible Nigerian women are struggling to find suitable husbands due to inadequacies in how men are raised and trained.
The traditional leader and the development expert made these assertions during an event held in Abuja last weekend to commemorate this year's Father's Day celebration.
Call for Gender Equality and Better Male Upbringing
Och'Idoma, who was represented by Chief John Ochai, advocated for gender equality and inclusivity as essential components for peace in Nigeria. He urged parents to treat their male and female children equally to ensure sustainable peace and development.
Dr. Igbuzor emphasized the need for Nigerian society to redefine masculinity for the boy child, teaching that being compassionate and expressing emotions through crying is not a sign of weakness.
"Even the programme we are doing today, we are honoring men who have raised their children on equal basis. So, for us, gender equality is not saying that men and women are the same. Our conception of feminism or gender equality is equal rights and opportunities for men and women, boys and girls," Igbuzor stated.
Imbalance in Marriage Preparation
Igbuzor highlighted a critical disparity in how young people are prepared for marriage across various cultures in Nigeria. "In fact, in some cultures, if a woman is going to marry, they prepare her for marriage. And the preparation, to be sure, involves everything, even how to take care of the husband. But nobody prepares the man," he noted.
This lack of preparation, according to Igbuzor, has led to many men engaging in risky behaviors that are detrimental to society, making it difficult for well-raised women to find suitable partners.
"Our conception is that, look, both men and women make society work," he added, emphasizing the complementary roles both genders play in building a functional society.
Expert Perspectives on Gender Roles
Also speaking at the event, international development expert Hussaini Abdu and Baze University lecturer Iroro Izu reinforced that men and women have equal roles to play in Nigeria's economic development.
Their comments align with growing calls for a more balanced approach to gender roles in Nigerian society, particularly in how children are raised and prepared for adult responsibilities including marriage.
The Father's Day event highlighted the importance of redefining traditional gender roles to create a more equitable society where both men and women can thrive in their personal and professional lives.
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