Coordinator of the International Men’s Day (IMD) Nigeria, Mr Sanmi Falobi, has said Nigerians must celebrate the contributions of men in making the society better place for the good of all.
This is contained in a statement by Falobi ahead of the annual IMD celebration observed every year on Nov. 19.
This year, the IMD has ‘Positive Male Role Models’ as theme.
Falobi said the observance of the International Men’s Day across over 90 countries, is an opportunity to celebrate men and their contributions to the workplace, their families and society, hence, it is instructive that Nigeria cannot be left behind in commemorating IMD.
“The significance of drawing awareness and galvanising stakeholders (government, private sector, organisations, families, and individuals) in Nigeria to have a cluster of events and initiatives to commemorate the IMD is the opportunity to promote values, character and responsibilities associated with being a man.
“We must share perspectives and pass ideals to enhance and celebrate the contribution of men to their families, workplace, society and national life.
“Bearing in mind the peculiarities of the Nigeria context and the enormous challenges that the Nigerian men are burdened with, IMD, therefore, provides the opportunity for corporate organizations, government institutions, businesses, religious bodies to initiate clusters of independent activities at highlighting the positive values of men to their families, communities and the society at large.
”IMD is not only an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate men that make things happen; but also to motivate/encourage men, to make things happen, for a safe, better and saner society, while recognizing and highlighting the positive values of men to their families, communities and the society at large.”
The International Men’s Day is a global awareness day for many issues that men face, including parental alienation, abuse, homelessness, suicide, and violence, celebrated annually on Nov. 19.
The day was founded in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, lecturer at University of West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago.
The IMD objectives are to promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men but everyday, working-class men who are living decent, honest lives.
Others are to celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and the environment, to focus on men’s health and well-being: social, emotional, physical, and spiritual.
Others are to promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.
Another pillar is to celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment, as well as to focus on men’s health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.
Others are to highlight discrimination against males in areas of social services, social attitudes, expectations, and law, as well as to improve gender relations and promote gender equality among others.
