UNICAL Centre for Gender Development Celebrates International Men’s Day, Urges Men to Make Positive Impact in Society

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) marked its maiden International Men’s Day Celebration on Thursday, urging men to continue striving for positive contributions in their communities and beyond.

The event, organized by the Center for Gender Development (CGD), was held at the institution’s Senate Chambers under the theme "Men's Health Champion."

Dr. Brenda Akpan, Executive Director of the CGD, emphasized the importance of health for men, stating, “A man cannot be a champion without sound health.” She highlighted that International Men’s Day is an occasion to honor the achievements of men worldwide, acknowledging their contributions despite the challenges they face.

“While we have traditionally celebrated Women’s Day, celebrating men is equally important as it allows us to recognize their positive impact on society,” Dr. Akpan remarked.

Prof. Uche Amalu, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academics at UNICAL, chaired the event, thanking Dr. Akpan for creating a platform to honor men and their roles in family and society. He encouraged participants to listen attentively to the presentation by Prof. Rowland Ndoma Egba, a renowned medical practitioner who addressed the topic of stress management for the modern man.

In his presentation, “The 21st Century Man’s Approaches to Stress Management,” Prof. Ndoma Egba stressed that stress is an invisible disease affecting both individuals and organizations. He urged the audience to show concern and empathy to those suffering from stress, advising a holistic approach to managing it, which involves family support and adopting healthier lifestyle choices.

His Royal Majesty, Prof. Itam Hogan, the Muri Munene of the Efut Kingdom, who served as the Father of the Day, also praised the event, emphasizing the hard work and commitment that men undergo. “Men deserve to be celebrated for the stress they endure and their commitment to their families and society,” he said.

Prof. Hogan also thanked Dr. Akpan for organizing the event and extended his appreciation to the women in attendance, particularly Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, former Head of the Civil Service Commission, for her participation.

In a goodwill message, Mrs. Oyo-Ita called for the establishment of a Ministry of Gender Affairs to address the unique issues faced by men, urging the government to show more empathy towards them. “Men are often relegated to the background, and it is time the government gives more attention to their needs,” she stated.

The event also featured remarks from Mr. Ben Okache, Chairman and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), who urged parents and religious bodies to raise responsible male citizens. He called on parents to ensure that both male and female children are raised equally, with a strong foundation in values that will help reduce violence and crime in society.

The International Men’s Day Celebration at UNICAL marked an important moment for the institution, highlighting the critical roles that men play in society and the need for their well-being and recognition.