Men Picking Up The Gauntlet 12!!! – Ambassador Uchechukwi Ekpere

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 International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day was created to draw attention to the need to support men. I am hopeful that in the coming years, more men will join such advocacy efforts. Today is all about celebrating both men and women who are committed to making a difference in men’s lives.Today, in commemoration of International Men’s Day, I’m spotlighting the incredible Uchechukwu Ekpere Paul.

Uchechukwu Ekpere Paul is the CEO of Boy Child Advancement and Protection Foundation (BCAPF Global Initiative), a non-profit dedicated to boy child advocacy and well-being.

Sit comfortably and enjoy our conversation below:


Can we meet you, please?

Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Ambassador Uchechukwu Ekpere Paul, and I am a Youth Development Expert and advocate.  I am the founder of several initiatives, including Diamond Youth Transformation Initiative (DYTI) and Nigerian Youth Decide (NYD), which focus on empowering youth across Africa Additionally, I serve as the CEO of Boy Child Advancement and Protection Foundation (BCAPF Global Initiative), a non-profit dedicated to boy child advocacy and well-being.


What inspired you to start an organization on boy child advocacy?

What inspired me to start BCAPF was my personal experience growing up and witnessing the unique struggles boys face in our society. I saw firsthand how lack of mentorship, societal pressure, and limited opportunities led many boys down a path of destructive behaviour. Alarmingly, millions of boys are involved in crimes, and their potential is being wasted. I realized that while girls' empowerment received significant attention, boys' issues were often overlooked. It seemed that nobody cared about what became of them.


This disparity drove me to bridge the gap and provide a platform specifically focused on boy child advocacy. I believe that empowering boys to become confident, responsible, and impactful leaders is crucial for building a better future. Through BCAPF, we are working to address the challenges boys face and provide them with the support, guidance, and resources needed to thrive.


How has the reception been so far over the years from boys you have impacted?

The reception has been overwhelmingly positive! We've seen boys transform from shy and uncertain to confident and purpose-driven individuals. Testimonials from participants and parents affirm our impact.


Who are your role models in this area?

I don't have role models in this area, as I see boy child advocacy as a neglected and unexplored venture. I've taken it upon myself to give the boy child a voice.


What are the thematic areas for the programs you organize?

Boy Child Advancement and Protection Foundation Programs

Core Thematic Areas:


1. Education and Career Development

2. Health and Well-being

3. Leadership and Mentorship

4. Protection and Safety

5. Social and Emotional Intelligence


Specific Program Areas:

Education and Career Development:


1. Scholarship programs

2. Literacy and numeracy enhancement

3. Vocational training and skills development

4. Career guidance and counseling

5. STEM education initiatives


Health and Well-being:


1. Mental health support

2. Physical health and fitness programs

3. Nutrition and healthy living education

4. Substance abuse prevention

5. HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention


Leadership and Mentorship:


1. Leadership training and development

2. Mentorship programs (peer and adult)

3. Character development and values education

4. Community service and volunteerism

5. Public speaking and debate clubs


Protection and Safety:


1. Child protection and abuse prevention

2. Conflict resolution and mediation

3. Bullying prevention and intervention

4. Safety and emergency preparedness

5. Human rights education


Social and Emotional Intelligence:


1. Emotional intelligence and awareness

2. Social skills development

3. Relationship building and communication

4. Conflict resolution and negotiation

5. Self-esteem and confidence building


Have you attended other programs before on this before you launched yours? If yes, which programs?

No

But I have been researching globally on boy child for 4 yrs now and currently writing a book


What do you hope to achieve with this program?

By 2025, I aim to empower 10,000 boys globally with skills, confidence, and purpose, creating a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.


What is your advice to other men who also want to venture into boy child advocacy but do not know how to?

To men interested in boy child advocacy:

1. Be a role model.

2. Research existing initiatives.

3. Build partnerships.

4. Listen to boys' needs.

5. Be patient and persistent.


What is your call-to-action sentence so that more men will start doing things for boys?

Training of a boy child should be a pragmatic responsibility of everybody. Be a positive influence to every boy child in your locality.


I believe it has been an enlightening chat with Uchechukwu Ekpere Paul is the CEO of Boy Child Advancement and Protection Foundation (BCAPF Global Initiative). Key takeaways from his experience and advice is that all hands need to be on deck to achieve boy-child empowerment. He’s calling us to be a role model, listen, research and be persistent in how we train boys in our society. Will you be a positive influence to boys around you from today? 




To learn more about Boy Child Advancement and Protection Foundation (BCAPF Global Initiative), support their mission or contact Uchechukwu, you can reach out on any of the following handles:

1.Youtube =>  https://www.youtube.com/@BCAFP


2. Instagram => https://www.instagram.com/boychildadvancement/


3. Facebook (Organisation) => https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554270420639

Facebook (Personal) =>  https://www.facebook.com/uchechukwu.ekpere?mibextid=ZbWKwL


4.LinkedIn => https://www.linkedin.com/company/boy-child-advancement-protection-foundation-bcapf/


5. Twitter => https://x.com/Boychildfoundat?s=20







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