In commemoration of the just concluded International Men’s Day, the Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD), and The Electoral expressed concerns over the use of young men and young boys by politicians to perpetuate violence for their personal gains.
The Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels in a press release seen by Blueprint urged political parties and politicians to dissuade from using young men and boys to perpetrate violence and chaos in the forthcoming election.
She appealed to the youth to shun any call to cause violence in the election as that would put their lives future at risks.
In her words “In celebrating the International Men’s Day, it is important to note that it is a day to strategically move forward to the long-term approach of ensuring that men and boys are also part of the gender equality movement for transforming masculinity.
She said the theme for the 2022 International Men’s Day “Men leading by example” is unique as it seeks to honor men who have set the pace and trajectory for young boys by not conforming to traditional patriarchal mentality but rather supporting gender equity by their actions.
She said the International Men’s Day is an opportunity for people of goodwill everywhere, to appreciate and celebrate the men in their lives, for the contributions they make to the society for the greater good of all.
“Considering this, and in line with IRIAD commitments to promoting gender equity, we celebrate Dr Kole Shettima, Professor Attahiru Jega, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu, Professor Mohammad Kuna, Mr. Friday Olokor, amongst many others who have been supportive in advocating for women rights and inclusion in the electoral processes and beyond,” she said.
