The First Gentleman, Epaphras Ndaitwah, has urged the boy-child to uphold responsibility, accountability, and integrity, as these values grow character.

Ndaitwah made these remarks at the men's dialogue held at the Suiderlig Secondary School in Keetmanshoop on Wednesday.

The event, themed "Restoring Better Fatherhood for Better Namibia", served as an important platform for men and young boys to engage in open discussions about the daily social challenges they encounter.

"Let us be responsible; let us be accountable. We must see ourselves as people with value. As you are sitting there, you have value, but sometimes we don't see that value, and one of the values is making a positive contribution. We don't fight for something that has no value; we are only interested in something that has a value and regard ourselves as valuable to live. You have a value to make a contribution to the nation, to your family, and to society."

||Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze has urged the boy child to reject violence and substance abuse and embrace peace and strong values for a better future.

"Let us be men who obey law not because of fear but out of conviction. Now, for today, we are here to take a stand against gender-based violence, drug violence, and senseless killings, saying no to alcohol and drug abuse because it steals our minds and destroys our families and our future. Let us make peace be our companion in whatever decisions we are going to make going forward as of today."

A Suiderlig Secondary School learner, James Matuka, expressed appreciation towards the First Gentleman for placing the boy child among the priorities of his office.

"You have given hope to a generation of young men who seek guidance, purpose, and belonging; you have reassured us that the remaining essence of responsible manhood in our society will not be allowed to disappear."