NGO launches mentorship project to empower boy child, curb crime
By Aderogba George
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Yargote Foundation, is implementing a mentorship project aimed at empowering the boy child and promoting a crime-free society.
The Executive Director and Founder of the NGO, Mrs Anna-Hussaini Pai, made this known during a road walk to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child, celebrated annually on May 16.
Pai said the walk was organised to raise awareness of the international observance and to spark conversations around the often-overlooked challenges facing the boy child.
“The boy child has been neglected by both national and international governments. Yet, this same boy child will grow up to marry the girls we are empowering,” she said.
Pai listed key challenges confronting boys, including mental health issues, and stressed the need for deliberate intervention.
She highlighted the foundation’s “Empower the Boy Child” project, a six-month, community-based mentorship initiative.
“We select a specific community, identify vulnerable boys, and spend six months with them.
“During that period, we teach them life and social skills, offer mentorship, and engage them in community service, so they understand the importance of giving back,” she explained.
She added that the programme taught self-awareness, values, goal setting, and purpose, all intended to guide the boys toward becoming responsible leaders, husbands, and fathers.
“There is a saying that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow. We want these boys to grow into great leaders who will shape a better future,” Pai noted.
She called on parents and the government to partner with the NGO in its mentorship efforts, stressing that collective action was needed to prevent boys from being drawn into crime, including banditry, kidnapping, and ritual killings.
“The involvement of boys in immoral activities is often due to ignorance. But with the right teachings, they can learn their value and potential,” she said.
Pai further revealed that someone had donated land to the foundation, and a fundraising campaign would soon be launched to build a safe space centre dedicated to mentoring boys.
“With the safe space centre, any child brought in for mentorship will emerge transformed, no matter how stubborn they may have been,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the foundation also plans to train parents to reinforce these teachings at home and support the broader mission of the project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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