The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Foundation (NACAT), in collaboration with the Child and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF) and other partners, organised a football and mentorship programme in Abuja to commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child.
Speaking during the event, Operations Manager of NACAT, Stanley Ugabe, said the initiative was designed to promote emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive values among young boys, noting that society often overlooks the challenges faced by the male child.
Ugabe explained that while considerable attention has been given to the girl child over the years, there was also a need to encourage boys and reassure them that their experiences and emotions matter.
According to him, the programme aimed to help boys build confidence, seek help when necessary, and develop values that would enable them to become responsible members of society.
He said beyond the football matches, participants would also engage in panel discussions focusing on emotional intelligence, resilience, and ways to resist negative societal influences.
Ugabe noted that football was chosen because sports have the ability to unite people irrespective of their differences, adding that the excitement surrounding the games would provide an avenue to mentor the students on good behaviour and responsible living.
He disclosed that the initiative would become an annual programme and that participating schools were selected through the FCT Secondary Education Board.
Also speaking, Deputy Director of Sports, FCT Secondary Education Board, Luka Innocent Tanze, said the programme was aimed at steering students away from negative influences and exposing them to meaningful engagements that would prepare them to contribute positively to society.
Tanze stated that four schools participated in the event, including GSS Kuje, GSS Airport, GSS Gosa, and GSS Lugbe.
He added that special students from GSS Kuje who are hard of hearing were also included in the programme to promote inclusiveness and a sense of belonging.
According to him, the schools were selected mainly from outskirts communities to ensure students in rural and underserved areas also benefited from such initiatives, as many programmes are usually concentrated within the city centre.
One of the participating students, Mustafa, an SS2 student of GSS Lube, described the programme as impactful, saying it taught participants teamwork, cooperation, and the importance of physical exercise.
Communications Manager of the Child and Youth Protection Foundation, Jadidiah Osoba, said the programme was part of ongoing efforts to address the neglect of the boy child and encourage boys to express themselves freely.
He explained that the organisers sought to challenge societal stereotypes that discourage boys from showing emotions, stressing that speaking up about personal struggles does not diminish masculinity.
Osoba added that the initiative also focused on mental health awareness among boys and young men, encouraging them to seek support and share their problems rather than suppressing emotions.