Yargote Foundation Advocates Greater Attention for Boy Child, Seeks Support for Expansion

The Founder of Yargote Foundation, Anna Hussaini Pai, has called on government, organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at empowering the boy child, warning that continued neglect of boys could worsen insecurity and social instability in the country.

Speaking during activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child, Anna said the foundation remains committed to addressing the emotional, educational, and moral challenges confronting young boys, especially those in underserved communities.

According to her, the International Day of the Boy Child, established in 2018, was created to raise awareness about the plight of boys and advocate for greater societal support for them.

As part of this year’s commemoration, Yargote Foundation organized a road walk to further amplify conversations around the growing pressures facing boys in society.

Anna noted that many boys today are battling immense pressure from peers, social media, family expectations, and economic realities, leading some into depression, crime, cultism, internet fraud, and other social vices.

“Many boys are struggling silently. Society teaches them not to cry, not to speak up, and not to express emotions. This has created emotional burdens that many carry into adulthood,” she said.

She stressed that the increasing cases of insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, and youth involvement in crime point to deeper gaps in mentorship, emotional development, and parental guidance for boys.

The foundation, she explained, focuses on mentorship, life skills, emotional intelligence, community service, and soft skills development to help boys become responsible and self-aware individuals.

Anna also disclosed that the foundation recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the FCT Department of Science and Technology to provide STEM education and digital literacy training for boys in underserved communities.

She said the initiative is aimed at equipping young boys with relevant technological and innovative skills that will make them self-sufficient and reduce their vulnerability to crime and social manipulation.

“We want boys to become productive and self-reliant without waiting endlessly for white-collar jobs. If we empower them properly, society will become safer for everyone,” she added.

The Yargote Foundation founder further urged parents, religious institutions, schools, traditional rulers, and community leaders to pay closer attention to children who feel neglected or abandoned.

According to her, many criminal elements in society today were once children who lacked love, mentorship, and guidance.

In her message to boys and men, Anna encouraged them to believe in themselves, speak up when struggling emotionally, and seek help when necessary.

“Bottling things up is dangerous. Speaking out is a form of healing. We must raise emotionally healthy boys who understand that vulnerability is not weakness,” she said.

She reaffirmed that empowering the boy child does not diminish the importance of supporting the girl child but rather creates the balance needed for stronger families, safer communities, and a more stable society.