The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) on Friday 15th May 2026, commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child with a football and mental wellness programme aimed at empowering young boys through sports, mentorship and open conversations on emotional wellbeing.
The event, themed “Play Strong, Stand Tall,” was held in Abuja in collaboration with the Child and Youth Protection Foundation, Secure D International Initiative, Anti Suicide and Depression Squad, Yargote Foundation and the Secondary Education Board.
The programme brought together boys between the ages of 12 and 18 from four secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory, including students living with disabilities, in a move organisers described as a strong statement for inclusion and equal participation. Participating schools were Government Secondary School (GSS) Airport, GSS Kuje, GSS Gosa and GSS Lugbe.
Speaking during her welcome address, NACAT’s Programme Manager, Joy Tomo, said the event was organised not merely to celebrate boys, but to intentionally invest in their future and emotional wellbeing.
“It is with great joy and a deep sense of purpose that the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking, NACAT, welcomes you to this year’s commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child. Today, we gather not just to celebrate boys, but to invest in them. To look them in the eye and say: you matter, your mind matters, and your future matters,” she said.
Tomo noted that the theme of the event was a bold declaration designed to redefine strength among young boys beyond physical appearance and aggression.
“It is a call for every young man in this room to understand that strength is not only physical. Real strength lives in how you think, how you speak, how you treat others, and how you rise when life knocks you down,” she added.
According to her, the football competition was carefully designed to teach teamwork, discipline and healthy interaction among the students, while the mental wellness sessions were intended to create a safe environment for boys to openly discuss issues often ignored in society.
Addressing the boys directly, Tomo urged them not to suppress their emotions due to societal expectations, stressing that seeking help should never be seen as a weakness.
“We know that growing up is not always easy. There are pressures, expectations, and questions that you carry, sometimes silently. Society often tells boys to ‘man up’ and keep it moving. But NACAT believes something different. We believe that a truly strong boy is one who knows when to ask for help, who respects himself and others, and who is not afraid to be kind.
“Your mental health is not a weakness. Your feelings are not a burden. Your story is not finished. And today, you are in a safe space,” she said.
One of the major speakers at the event, Stanley Ugagbe, NACAT’s Operations Manager, harped on emotional intelligence and its importance in protecting boys from negative influences and criminal exploitation.
Ugagbe warned that many young boys become vulnerable to manipulation and criminal recruitment due to emotional instability, lack of guidance and poor decision-making skills. He explained that emotional intelligence equips young people with self-awareness, discipline and critical thinking, helping them resist peer pressure, violence, substance abuse and trafficking schemes often disguised as opportunities for survival or quick success.
According to him, many criminal syndicates and trafficking networks prey on vulnerable boys by offering false promises of wealth, protection or social acceptance. He urged the students to develop confidence, healthy relationships and the courage to speak up whenever they face pressure or emotional struggles.
Founder of the Yargote Foundation, Anna Hussaina Pai, highlighted the importance of mentorship in shaping the future of the boy child. Pai said many boys struggle silently because they lack positive role models and safe support systems.
She noted that mentors play critical roles in guiding young boys through difficult stages of life, helping them make responsible choices and build confidence in their abilities. She encouraged the students to seek mentors who would inspire discipline, integrity and purpose rather than individuals who promote destructive lifestyles.
Mental health expert, Eze Amarachi of the Anti-Suicide and Depression Squad, delivered a session on crisis intervention and stress management for boys. Amarachi stressed the need to normalise conversations around mental health among male children, warning that emotional suppression often leads to depression, anger, violence and self-destructive behaviour.
She encouraged the boys to speak openly about their fears, disappointments and emotional pain, while also seeking professional help when necessary. According to her, stress management techniques, positive social connections and healthy communication are essential tools for emotional stability and personal growth.
Also speaking, Keren Adamu, Director of Human Resources at Secure D Future International Initiative, spoke on overcoming peer pressure and trauma. Adamu advised the boys against allowing societal pressure or painful experiences to determine their future.
She urged them to remain focused on their goals, avoid harmful friendships and understand that temporary setbacks should not define their identity. She further encouraged them to build resilience, embrace self-worth and remain committed to positive values despite external pressures.
In a goodwill message, Luka Innocent Tanze, who represented the Secondary Education Board, commended the organisers for introducing a unique and thoughtful initiative focused specifically on the emotional and social wellbeing of boys. He described the programme as different from many conventional youth engagements, noting that it addressed issues often neglected in discussions around child development.
The climax of the day was the keenly contested football tournament among the four schools. After exciting matches that showcased skill, determination, and team spirit, GSS Gosa emerged as overall winners, lifting the trophy. Medals were awarded to players from all participating teams in a spirit of sportsmanship and celebration.