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International Men’s Day: Recognizing and Honouring the Unseen Struggles & Sacrifices of Men
With International Men’s Day on the horizon, the silence surrounding men’s struggles and the lack of acknowledgement for their sacrifices and emotional well-being demand our immediate attention. In a world where International Women’s Day is celebrated with fervour and prominence, the muted celebration of men’s contributions and the absence of recognition for their hardships is a pressing societal concern that needs urgent addressal. It is time to shatter this silence and confront the complex challenges faced by men in today’s society.
Before enlisting men as allies in the pursuit of gender equality, it is crucial to acknowledge and support their emotional struggles. Men often bear the weight of societal expectations that demand emotional resilience, stoicism, and adherence to the traditional “be a man” culture. This entrenched cultural norm, passed down through generations, has ensnared men in a suffocating silence, dissuading them from expressing vulnerability or seeking essential help.
As we delve into this crucial issue, it is imperative to illuminate the multifaceted challenges men face. Men just like women, can be victim of violence, yet their experiences are frequently marginalized or dismissed. Reports of violence, be it emotional, physical, or domestic, perpetrated against men are often under-reported, owing to stigmas surrounding male victimhood. The prevailing notion that men should epitomize strength and remain impervious to pain forces them into silence, exacerbating mental health issues and contributing to alarmingly high rates of depression and suicide among men.
To drive this change, access to mental health support for men must not only be free but also easily accessible. Through my years of advocating for men’s mental health and providing support for men in need, we have found that when provided with a safe, non-judgemental space, men—regardless of their trauma—do open up and seek help.
Governments and stakeholders worldwide must establish systems and structures that provide indispensable resources to men without prejudice or financial burden. There is an urgent need for a clearly defined and distinctive system tailored to meet men’s specific needs.
As we commemorate International Men’s Day on the 19th of November 2023, I invite society, Government and all relevant stakeholders to shed light on the often unspoken sacrifices made by fathers, breadwinners, and husbands. These men silently shoulder immense responsibilities, enduring sleepless nights, relentless hard work, and the weight of providing for their families. Their struggles often remain unseen, yet they embody a profound dedication and resilience that deserves acknowledgement and appreciation.
For too long, societal norms have downplayed the emotional toil and sacrifices of men who take on the role of provider. The stereotypical image of stoic, unyielding masculinity has masked the internal battles they face—the invisible tears shed in solitude, the fears of inadequacy, and the constant pressure to fulfil expectations. These men confront countless challenges on the path to success, bearing the burden of supporting their loved ones, often without seeking recognition or appreciation.
It’s time to dismantle the misconceptions and societal norms that overlook the sacrifices of men. We must foster an environment that encourages open conversations about the challenges they encounter, breaking the stigma that surrounds vulnerability in men.
Recognition and gratitude are fundamental human needs. A simple acknowledgement, a heartfelt “thank you,” can serve as a powerful affirmation for the sacrifices made. Society must take a collective step forward, acknowledging the multifaceted sacrifices of these men, not just on this dedicated day, but consistently and genuinely.
Moreover, the call to action on International Men’s Day is not just about recognition but also about systemic changes. We need to redefine masculinity in a way that allows men to embrace their vulnerabilities without fear of judgement. Creating support networks, both within communities and professionally, will provide a safe space for men to share their challenges and seek help when needed.
Additionally, workplaces and Government policies should evolve to accommodate the evolving roles of men in families. Flexibility in work hours, parental leaves, and support programs can significantly ease the burden and stress on men, allowing them to balance their professional and personal responsibilities more effectively.
In conclusion, it is imperative that as a world, we express our gratitude and understanding for the unseen sacrifices made by these men. Let us actively listen, support, and appreciate the fathers, breadwinners, and husbands who tirelessly strive to provide for their families. Together, let’s create a culture that honours and respects these contributions, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society for everyone.
This International Men’s Day, let’s not just celebrate men, but commit to creating an environment where their sacrifices, emotions, and efforts are recognized, appreciated, and supported throughout the year. It’s time to redefine masculinity and create a world where everyone’s contributions are valued, seen, and appreciated.
Halima Layeni is the Founder, Life After Abuse Foundation, she is an incandescent Men’s Mental Health advocate and the Founder & Executive Director of the Life After Abuse Foundation – a non-profit currently focused on providing education, mentorship and mental health support to boys and men through policy involvement, organizational and community outreaches, media activism and psychotherapy.
President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s appointment last week after a rigorous screening session on October 16.
At the swearing-in, President Tinubu tasked Amupitan with safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and strengthening INEC’s institutional capacity.
“As the chairman of INEC, your nomination and confirmation reflect the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government. This marks the start of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust you will approach your duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s democratic progress over 25 years, the President emphasized the need for continuous innovation and reform to maintain free, fair, and credible elections. He urged Amupitan to ensure transparency and public trust throughout the entire electoral process—from voter registration and campaigning to voting and counting.
Amupitan, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), arrived at the State House on Thursday dressed in traditional white agbada and gold cap ahead of the formal ceremony. He was accompanied by presidential aides.
During his Senate screening, the 58-year-old nominee pledged to restore credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process by prioritizing reforms, including strengthening the Electoral Act to resolve inconsistencies in election timelines and enhance transparency.
“We must conduct elections where even the loser congratulates the winner fairly,” Amupitan told senators, emphasizing the need to rebuild voter confidence.
He also clarified his neutrality by denying any involvement in President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, stating, “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any party.”
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the sixth substantive INEC chairman since the commission’s establishment. He is expected to immediately begin the transition process at INEC headquarters in Abuja following his swearing-in.
Profile
Born on April 25, 1967, the 58-year-old Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He is also an alumnus of the university.
He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.
After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.
Amupitan earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.
He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).
Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).
Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).
He is married and has four children.
Dangote Group has denied owning the truck that crushed a pregnant woman, a child, and six others to death in an accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The company issued the clarification in a statement on its X account on Wednesday.
The statement followed reports that a cement-laden truck suffered brake failure and rammed into traders and other road users.
Reacting, Dangote Group said the truck involved in the tragic incident does not belong to the group or any of its subsidiaries.
It added that vehicle registration records confirm the truck is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group.
“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and in some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“The company wishes to make it categorically clear that the truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries.
“Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group,” the statement reads.
News
VIDEO: Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court Premises, Abuja, After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.
Police operatives have arrested former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Sowore was forcibly taken away by armed police officers from the Federal High Court premises in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after attending the court session of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, who has been leading campaigns for Kanu’s release, was confronted by security operatives who insisted he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the officers surrounded him moments after he exited the courtroom, refusing to disclose specific details about his alleged offence.
When questioned by onlookers, one of the policemen stated that they were acting on the directive of the FCT Commissioner of Police.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.
As of the time of filing this report, the reason for Sowore’s arrest and his current whereabouts remain unclear.
Credit: Punch
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