Nigeria, Dec. 17 -- When the novelist, poet, and online influencer Hadiza Bagudu wrote her now widely discussed essay, "We Protect Our Girls but Neglect the Boys," perhaps she was not blunt enough for the gravity of the moment. That, at least, was my immediate thought after reading the alarm recently raised by a man of God whose intervention arrived with shock, surprise, and an invitation to deep reflection. I found myself compelled to share his message, urging others to contribute their views, not merely to argue, but to search collectively for answers, conviction, and ultimately, a better society.

On X, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo issued what he unmistakably framed as a warning. In his view, the gap between "quality women" and "quality men...