There is a need to recognise and eulogise men who are role models for the contribution they make to society for the greater good of all, Sanmi Falobi, International Men’s Day Ambassador for West Africa, has said.

Falobi, in a statement released in commemoration of International Men’s Day, which is held every November 19 across over 90 countries stated that the day presents an opportunity to celebrate men and their contributions to the workplace, their families and society. And Nigeria can not be left behind.

Falobi noted that the theme for this year, ‘Positive Male Role Models’ provides the opportunity to promote values, character and responsibilities associated with being a man, and sharing perspectives and passing across 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 provides the opportunity for corporate organisations, government institutions, businesses, religious bodies, public/private sector enterprises, NGOs and the media, to initiate clusters of independent activities at highlighting the positive values of men to their families, communities and the society at large.

Falobi stated further that IMD is not only an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate men that make things happen; but also to motivate/encourage them, to make things happen, for a safe, better and saner society, while also recoginising and highlighting their positive values of men to families, communities and the society at large.”

Since 1999, November 19 has been observed and celebrated globally as International Men’s Day (IMD).

Founded in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, lecturer at the University of West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago, it is not just a gendered day, but a day where all issues affecting men and boys can be addressed.