OZORO/Nigeria: A new front has opened in the fight against gender-based violence and declining social values as LightRay Media, led by its Founder and Publisher, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, partners with the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom to confront what stakeholders describe as a growing “Boy-Man crisis” driven by poor parenting and harmful cultural narratives.
The collaboration, formalised during a strategic engagement with the President General of Ozoro Kingdom, Berkley Elo Asiafa, is aimed at deploying targeted development communication strategies to address systemic parenting failures and instill values of accountability, empathy and respect for women and girls.
Speaking during the meeting, Lady Umukoro warned of the long-term societal consequences of neglecting the moral upbringing of young boys, stressing that the absence of core values such as responsibility and gender respect continues to fuel violence and abuse.
“This is not just about enforcing laws—it’s about cultural reform. We must raise boys who understand that respect for women is non-negotiable,” she said, referencing provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, which prescribes stringent penalties for sexual offences.
On his part, Asiafa highlighted the growing challenge of abandoned and homeless children within the community, noting that many of them, particularly young boys, are vulnerable to exploitation and criminal influences.
“There is a growing number of street children, many of whom are boys abandoned by their parents. These children need protection and proper guidance to prevent them from drifting into harmful behaviour,” he said.
As part of the intervention, both parties outlined key initiatives including community-based parenting workshops, youth mentorship programmes promoting positive masculinity, advocacy for stricter enforcement of the VAPP Act, and public awareness campaigns to address harmful social norms.
The partnership is also targeting the controversial Aramudu Aluedhor Festival in Ozoro, where reports of sexual violence have raised concerns. LightRay Media disclosed ongoing collaboration with the Delta State Police Command to ensure perpetrators are identified and prosecuted.
Lady Umukoro condemned the alleged use of the festival as a cover for cult-related activities and gender-based violence, insisting that such practices must no longer be tolerated under the guise of tradition.
“This is not culture—it is criminality, and it must stop,” she declared.
The initiative has drawn commendation from key stakeholders, including Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who praised the advocacy efforts, and the Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, who pledged continued support for the enforcement of justice.
The President General of Ozoro Kingdom also pledged to mobilise traditional institutions, educators and community leaders to ensure the success of the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed on a roadmap that includes town hall engagements, school-based programmes and sustained advocacy campaigns aimed at reshaping societal attitudes and promoting gender justice.
With growing national and international attention, LightRay Media has vowed to sustain its advocacy, emphasising transparency and accountability as it pushes for cultural and systemic reforms to build a safer and more equitable society.
