Bukola Jolugbo, fondly referred to as Kiki, the driving force behind the Bukola Jolugbo Foundations and the Joshua’s Army initiative, is on a passionate mission to redefine how boys are raised today. Through her work, she addresses the critical gaps in parenting, particularly the vital role of fathers in nurturing their sons.
A Vision Rooted in Personal Experience
In 2016, Bukola founded Joshua’s Army, an NGO focused on training boys to grow into responsible and well-rounded men. Her inspiration came from the disturbing rise in knife crime in the UK and the increasing prevalence of single-parent households, most of which are led by mothers. Bukola recognised a dangerous trend: boys were being left without strong male role models, as many men were becoming less involved in their children’s lives.
“I saw a gap in the way boys are raised and the attention given to them in line with societal expectations,” Bukola explains. Her mission is clear – fathers must be more engaged and intentional in their sons’ upbringing, leaving behind a legacy of positive influence for future generations.
Challenges and Resilience
Bukola’s journey has not been without its challenges. A significant obstacle has been convincing fathers to take a more active role in their sons’ lives. Many believe they are fulfilling their duties until they are made aware of the gaps in their involvement. “It’s the same with most areas of our relational life,” Bukola notes. “There is always room for improvement, and you might never know until it is pointed out to you.”
In her professional life as a User Researcher, Bukola listens to end users to provide organisations with valuable insights and improvement strategies. She draws a parallel between her work and her mission with Joshua’s Army, emphasising that just as organisations can benefit from external feedback, so too can fathers benefit from greater awareness and engagement in their sons’ lives.
Another significant challenge has been securing funding for the programs and events she organises for boys and their fathers. Bukola understands that boys thrive when engaged in hands-on activities, which can be resource intensive. She emphasises the need for more activities that capture boys’ attention, steering them away from potentially harmful environments or choices.
A Unique Perspective on Fatherhood
What sets Bukola apart in her field is her focus on promoting father-son relationships. Research has shown that children with present fathers tend to perform better academically, are less likely to experience depression, and are less likely to engage in criminal activity or end up in prison. Bukola believes that by encouraging fathers to be more involved, we can fundamentally improve the lives of boys and the society at large.
The impact of her work is evident in the feedback she receives. One father, Michael Ọmọlọla, shared his gratitude, saying, “Kiki, thank you very much for Dads. You have consistently given the big boys and myself a time that is unique from all other times we do have together. It seems to kick-start a sort of a new beginning for us each time… I pray that other families are as blessed as we are and that more families will see the potential blessings and gladly join us in the future.”
Reflecting on 2024
As 2024 ends, Bukola and her team are celebrating another year of progress. Joshua’s Army expanded its reach, influencing hundreds of boys and their families while launching new initiatives aimed at fostering stronger father-son connections. The feedback and success stories have only strengthened her resolve to keep building a future where boys are empowered to thrive.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Events
Bukola has exciting plans for 2025, including two significant events designed to empower parents of boys. In March 2025, the foundation will host an event for mothers of boys, emphasising the pivotal role they play in shaping their sons’ lives. “Mothers are the first teachers and emotional anchors for their sons and they are also tools to in our mission to build better father and son relationships,” Bukola says, underscoring their vital influence.
In June 2025, a special event for fathers and sons will focus on practical strategies to help them deepen their relationships with their sons, fostering growth, trust, and resilience.
A Bold Vision for the Future
Bukola’s vision for the future is ambitious. She aims to influence 1,000 families by 2030, training fathers to be more present and intentional with their sons. Her dream is to support boys in developing the skills they need to become wholesome and exceptional men and to create stronger, more connected families.
Through her work with Joshua’s Army, Bukola Jolugbo is not just transforming the lives of boys; she is redefining the role of fathers in modern parenting. Her message is clear: with greater involvement and intentionality, men can leave a lasting, positive impact on their sons and the generations to come.
