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International Men’s Day: Recognizing and Honouring the Unseen Struggles & Sacrifices of Men

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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.

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JUST IN: “Nobody was abducted on Abuja-Kaduna road”, Police deny abduction of 200 persons

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The report of about 200 travellers who were said to have been kidnapped along the Abuja-Kaduna highway has been denied by the Kaduna State Police Command.

The Police Command dismissed the Kidnapping Claims issuing a statement refuting reports of a mass kidnapping along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

According to the Command’s spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, the reports circulating on social media, which claim that between 150 and 200 individuals were abducted, are false and misleading.

The statement was released on Thursday in Kaduna.

The Command said the report was entirely fabricated and without any basis.

The statement reads: “To set the record straight, there has been no recorded incident of kidnapping along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway in the past two years.

The area remains under constant surveillance and is regularly patrolled on a 24hrs basis by the Police, Military, Dss and other security forces under tight security to ensure the safety of all commuters.

“The Commissioner of Police strongly warns individuals and media outlets against the dissemination of such falsehoods. These misleading reports are capable of inciting unnecessary panic and disrupting public order.

“Furthermore, the Command is taking this matter seriously. Online Media Channels or individuals found responsible for originating or sharing such fabricated information without sources or basis will be invited for questioning, thoroughly investigated, and may face prosecution in accordance with the law.

“The State government in collaboration with the security forces and agencies in the state have been working assiduously to ensure safety and security of all persons and properties.

“The Kaduna State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents and urges the public to rely only on verified and official sources of information,” the statement said.

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Anambra Govt Debunks Video of Soludo’s Reelection Visit to Native Doctor

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The Anambra State Government has debunked the misinformation, malicious and deliberately fabricated online publication and social media comments in the video of the recently arrested Native doctor in the state.

In a press statement signed by Christian Aburime, the state Press Secretary to the Governor on June 4, 2025, the State Government debunked the allegations that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, consulted a native doctor regarding his reelection prospects, stressing that the information is totally false.

The statement reads: The attention of Anambra State Government has been drawn to a malicious and deliberately fabricated online publication and social media comments making spurious claims that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, consulted a native doctor regarding his reelection prospects.

The State Government hereby debunks the allegations as totally false. For the interest of the general public, the video clip being maliciously circulated and misrepresented, as evidence of native doctor consultation, was taken during a recent official government meeting with Anambra-based content creators.

The session, facilitated by the Special Senior Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, was organised to strengthen the partnership between the State Government and the creative industry as part of Governor Soludo’s commitment in encouraging and supporting Anambra’s creative economy.

During the interactive session, content creators were encouraged to showcase their talents, ask questions, and share their concerns about the creative industry in the state.

As part of the presentations, one of the content creators performed a native doctor skit, a common comic genre in Nigerian entertainment, to demonstrate their creative abilities to the Governor and other officials present.

This was purely an entertainment performance by a content creator, not a consultation session. The State Government thus found it deeply disappointing that critics and political opponents would stoop so low as to deliberately fabricate malicious narratives from an innocent entertainment performance and spread misinformation to mislead the public.

Rather than engage in frivolous consultations, Governor Soludo has consistently demonstrated his commitment to developing Anambra’s creative economy through investment plans as part of the state’s economic diversification strategy.

The recently commissioned SOLUTION FUN CITY project is part of such investment plans.

The State Government also clarified that Governor Soludo does not need consultations with any native doctor to win reelection, as he relies solely on the support of Ndi Anambra based on his impressive performance and focus on delivering the SOLUTION AGENDA by transforming Anambra State into a livable and prosperous homeland.

Therefore, the Anambra State Government calls on Ndi Anambra, media channels and social media users to disregard the misinformation concerning the circulated video clip.

The public is also urged to always verify information before sharing or amplifying content and reject malicious stories sponsored to mislead the public.

As always, Governor Soludo remains committed to the development of Anambra State and will not be deterred by the antics of desperate political opponents who have chosen the path of falsehood over constructive engagement.

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Tinubu hosts Gov Adeleke, Davido at Lagos residence (Photos)

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to his Lagos residence for a private meeting on Monday.

Accompanying the governor was his elder brother and renowned businessman, Chief Adedeji Adeleke, along with his son, internationally acclaimed Afrobeats artiste David Adeleke, widely known by his stage name, Davido.

The visit was announced in a post by President Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, who shared details on X on Tuesday.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives in audience H.E. Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State, along with Chief Adedeji Adeleke and his son, Afrobeats icon Davido, at his Lagos residence,” Olusegun wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, the reason for the courtesy call had not been made public, and no official statement has been issued either by the Presidency or the Adeleke family.

Images from the visit have surfaced on social media, capturing moments from the closed-door meeting between the President and the Adeleke family members.

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