You are right. It seems there is this invisible barrier that exists between fathers and their children, especially boys. I think the issue stems from the African belief that seems to suggest that a man is weak if he shows too much emotions. They believe men should be feared and revered. This mindset has affected many children so much that they end up hating their fathers and loving their mothers more. Fathers are also caring and sacrificial but they don't find it easy to bond with their children unlike women.
It is good thing that you're determined to change the narrative. I wish you the best in your quest to achieve this goal.