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By Uchay Okobi
In the light of a bias towards the girl-child, sometimes to the detriment and neglect of things that concern boys, a non-profit, humanitarian, social impact organisation has taken up the role of championing the cause of the boy-child, recognising that boys also matter, for healthy relationships, homes and the world in general.
The Soledotun Abdulkarim-Yusuf Foundation for the Empowerment of the Boy Child (SAF) was founded and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to the holistic development of boys. The organisation was established to address the root causes of issues such as drug abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence and other challenges often linked to boys. While many NGOs focus on the girl-child, the SAF recognises the critical need to also support boys, who are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges, depression and limited awareness surrounding these issues.
The SAF operates on the belief that boys deserve society’s support because, among other things, the girl-child would grow up to be in intimate or professional relationships with many a man, who ought not to be a neglected boy-child with developmental issues and emotional baggage as an adult.
Boys also suffer from stereotypes that demand they should be strong, often suffering fear, ignorance, abuse and deprivation in silence. This leads to mental challenges that easily snowball into criminal, violent and destructive activities.
A United Nations report and a survey by the Africa Polling Institute and EpiAFRIC has revealed that mental health awareness is low in Nigeria. Many people fail to recognise mental health conditions and often attribute them to drug abuse, possession by evil spirits or brain disorders. Consequently, many are taken to prayer houses rather than receiving medical intervention.
The SAF, with the support of partners and the unvavering commitment of its founder, TPL Chief (Mrs.) Soledotun Abdulkarim-Yusuf, has taken up group and individual interventions to better the lot of boys. One of such cases was a boy with mental health challenges who was taken to a church for prayers.
Pastor Olusola Osinowo contacted the NGO regarding a boy who had been brought to his church for special prayer sessions recently. Recognising the need for medical intervention, the pastor referred the boy, Ayo, and his father, Pastor Oluwarotimi Samson, to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State. However, the financial cost was a barrier. Thanks to the Soledotun Abdulkarim-Yusuf Foundation, funds were provided for Ayo’s diagnosis and initial treatment.
The SAF has since spent over N300,000 on Ayo’s care and has also covered medical expenses for an orphan, Tope.
Mrs. Abdulkarim-Yusuf has expressed satisfaction with the interventions of the foundation this far, with plans for growth and expansion of its programmes. She stated this in a recent collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a youth sensitisation programme titled “Social Media Impact on Drug Abuse Among Youths.” The event, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry on August 19, 2024, targeted boys aged 14 to 19. The NDLEA shared insights into how social media could influence youth behaviour negatively, often through online influencers, supported by video clips and interactive discussions.
The founder has remained committed to the foundation’s mission and vision, and the organisation aims to continue its impactful work for the boy child. Donations from individuals and corporate sponsors are appreciated to support the SAF’s initiatives.
