*Advocacy on Positive Masculinity Gains Momentum at Jokems Ultimate Academy in Adamawa*

Jimeta, Yola North LGA – Adamawa State
A strong call for the promotion of positive masculinity and the elimination of harmful traditional practices has been made to students and teachers of Jokems Ultimate Academy in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The advocacy engagement, which targeted both secondary and primary school students, brought together a total of 330 secondary school students — 150 boys and 180 girls — alongside 19 teachers comprising eight males and 11 females. At the primary level, the outreach reached 700 pupils, including 250 boys and 450 girls, supported by 60 teachers (40 male and 20 female).
Speaking during the session, the facilitator, Sunday Andrew, dwelt extensively on the dangers of toxic masculinity and its negative impact on families, schools, and communities. He explained that toxic masculinity often promotes aggression, emotional suppression, dominance, and harmful stereotypes that place undue pressure on boys and men while marginalizing girls and women.
According to him, positive masculinity encourages responsibility, empathy, respect, self-discipline, and peaceful conflict resolution. He stressed that when boys are taught to express emotions constructively and treat others with dignity, it contributes significantly to peaceful coexistence and social stability.
“True strength is not measured by violence or control, but by character, compassion, and accountability,” Andrew told the students, urging them to reject harmful norms that fuel discrimination, bullying, gender-based violence, and other destructive behaviors.
He further highlighted the need to challenge harmful traditional practices that limit opportunities for girls or pressure boys to conform to rigid expectations. He encouraged teachers and parents to model healthy behaviors and create safe spaces where children can speak openly without fear.
The advocacy programme emphasized that schools remain strategic platforms for shaping attitudes early in life. Participants were encouraged to become ambassadors of positive masculinity within their homes and communities.
The initiative reflects growing efforts across Adamawa State to promote gender equity, mutual respect, and inclusive development by engaging young people at formative stages of their lives.