By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
Calabar, Dec. 19, 2025 – In a powerful address that reframed the conversation on gender equity, Dr. Ikechuku Ukweh, Founder of the Calabar-based Hogis Foundation, has reaffirmed his organization’s unwavering commitment to the education and empowerment of the boy-child. Speaking at a strategic conference for secondary school heads in Calabar, Dr. Ukweh positioned this mission not as a counter-movement to girl-child initiatives, but as a necessary correction to a “society’s one-sided compassion” that has left boys, particularly the most vulnerable, behind.
“Our foundation is a response to an observable gap,” Ukweh stated. “While tremendous and justified focus has been placed on uplifting the girl-child—a vital endeavor—we have concurrently witnessed a silent crisis unfolding among boys. Our targets are vulnerable boys between the ages of 10 and 19, especially those roaming the streets, and those that are out of school. Without intervention, these boys are at high risk of being drawn into cycles of crime, substance abuse, and perpetual disenfranchisement.”
The Hogis Foundation’s approach is multifaceted, moving beyond mere scholarship provision to holistic development. Their areas of intervention include:
- Educational Scholarships & Mentorship: Ensuring access to schooling is paired with guidance from positive male role models to instill core values.
- Vocational & Technical Training: Recognizing that a university path isn’t for everyone, they provide practical skills for immediate employability.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Fostering a mindset of innovation and self-reliance to build future job creators.
- Health Screening & Psycho-social Support: Addressing often-overlooked mental and physical health needs critical for healthy development.
Since its inception, the foundation has provided empowerment support to over 300 boys. “The essence is to enable them to reach their full potential, and to imbibe the core values of integrity, respect, empathy, excellence, and service,” Ukweh explained.
The conference, themed “Strategic Partners in Boy-Child Development: A New Era of Collaboration,” underscored the foundation’s belief in partnership. Ukweh detailed collaborations with religious organizations, government agencies, sports clubs, schools, and corporate bodies. This ecosystem approach is crucial, as it creates a supportive network around the boy, integrating efforts across community touchpoints.
“Our foundation’s vision is to create a world where every boy-child grows into a responsible, healthy, and empowered man who contributes positively to society,” he concluded. This vision positions the empowered boy-child not as an end in himself, but as a future partner, father, leader, and citizen—a necessary component for sustainable community health and a balanced approach to gender development. The Hogis Foundation’s work highlights a critical truth: true equity means lifting everyone up, and it begins by ensuring no child is left unseen on the path to progress.
Edited by Azubuike Okeh
