Pascal Ferdinand, popularly known as Rector Pascal, is a dynamic Nigerian social activist, creative director, filmmaker, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of media, storytelling, and grassroots advocacy.

His journey in media, creative production, and social advocacy began in 2015. The #WeAreNotThugs (WANT) initiative was later formally established as a powerful response to the rising challenge of drug addiction and the widespread stigmatization of young Nigerians living on the streets.

What inspired him was the painful reality of talented young people—many of them graduates—trapped in addiction and dismissed as “thugs.” Drawing from his background in film and media, Rector Pascal recognized the transformative power of compassion, authentic storytelling, and structured rehabilitation.

With “zero judgment” as the guiding philosophy, he set out to replace stigma with dignity, hope, and real pathways to recovery.

Through #WeAreNotThugs, Rector Pascal has made a profound impact on communities across Lagos and beyond. The initiative has rescued and supported numerous individuals battling substance use disorders, facilitated their access to rehabilitation centers, and shared powerful recovery stories that have helped reduce stigma.

By organizing medical outreaches and producing impactful media content, his work has promoted youth empowerment, community healing, and safer societies. Many beneficiaries have successfully reintegrated into society, pursuing education, skills acquisition, and meaningful careers.

Rector Pascal has organized and featured in dozens of programs and events, including regular medical camps, rehabilitation support drives, storytelling campaigns, and major collaborations with government and community stakeholders. A standout example is the upcoming Healthy Shitta Medical Outreach, scheduled for June 13, 2026, in Surulere, Lagos.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Pascal Ferdinand is also the CEO of Rejulz Homecare in Atlanta, Georgia. As the founder and driving force behind #WeAreNotThugs, CEO of Rejulz Homecare, and a passionate advocate, he continues to amplify marginalized voices and prove that every young person is far more than any stereotype.

Recent Recognition

Rector Pascal (Pascal Ferdinand) was officially nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award at the 2025 MOI Awards (Masters of Industry Awards).

The official nomination highlights him as:

“A visionary creative and social advocate whose work blends media, entrepreneurship, and activism. He is best known as the founder and driving force behind #WeAreNotThugs (WANT), the grassroots movement that challenges negative stereotypes about young Nigerians—especially those battling addiction—while promoting dignity, hope, rehabilitation, and empowerment. Through storytelling, rehab support, and media production, he gives marginalized voices a platform and proves that ‘every young person, regardless of background, is more than a stereotype.’”

He stands in strong company alongside Blessing Omakwu, Aisha Yesufu, VeryDarkMan, Randy Peters, David Hundeyin, Boniface Mwangi, Deji Adeyanju, Nnena Oti, Omoyele Sowore, Rebecca Enonchong, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and many other prominent voices in activism, media, business, and community development.

Looking ahead, Rector Pascal and #WeAreNotThugs are preparing expanded rehabilitation support, more documentary-style content, and additional medical outreaches. Long-term goals include building sustainable funding models for recovery programs and scaling impact nationwide to combat drug abuse more effectively.

Rector Pascal’s story is one of courage, creativity, and unwavering commitment to lifting the forgotten, reminding Nigeria and the global community that every life deserves a second chance.