As the world celebrates International Men’s Day, government and stakeholders have been called upon to support men’s mental health in Nigeria.
Initiative for Social Impact and Sustainable Development spoke while looking at challenges men and boys face and the need for them to achieve potential and contribute to society progress.
Co-ordinator, Funmi Falobi, said the need to focus on men’s mental health became imperative looking at 2025 theme: “Celebrating Men and Boys.”
“The contributions of men to the socio-economic and political development of the society cannot be overlooked. Today, we celebrate men’s resilience, achievements and contributions to society, community , family and nation-building. However, we must not neglect the mental health of men in order to have a safe society.”
Life as a student is a blend of excitement, pressure, and discovery — a truth reflected in the experiences of students at Lagos State University (LASU).
For Badiru Neemah, life on campus is “interesting, adventurous, and draining.” She describes it as “a mixture of excitement and sadness,” capturing the emotional highs and lows of student life. Despite the challenges, she says her learning experience has been rewarding.
“It’s going well, it’s good, eye-opening, and quite informative,” she said.
Alder Dolapo, another LASU student, agrees that student life is both demanding and fulfilling.
“Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and social life can be overwhelming at times,” she said, “but it’s also a great opportunity to learn time management and prioritisation skills.”
Dolapo praised the school’s learning environment, noting that engaging discussions and practical projects have helped her connect theory to real-life situations.
“I’ve had opportunities to explore various subjects and discover my strengths and weaknesses,” she added.
However, both students admit that the pressure can affect mental health.
Neemah explained that her experience has been “both positive and negative.”
She’s learned patience and understanding but finds the workload “draining” and mentally exhausting.
Dolapo emphasised the importance of self-care. “Managing stress and anxiety can be tough, but taking breaks, exercising, and staying connected with friends really help,” she said.
For many LASU students, the journey through higher education is more than academics — it’s about building resilience, finding balance, and growing into the best version of themselves.
“They’re mad.” “They’re possessed.” “Alcohol no Dey tire you?” These are more than just careless phrases. They’re echoes of stigma. When someone is in a mental health crisis, they are not being “witchy” or “lazy”—they’re sick. Invisible illness. Struggled mind. A person who needs help. And too often, that help is missing.
Millions of young Nigerians suffer psychological distress. Some lean on substances because they don’t know where else to turn. Others smile through the pain until they can’t anymore. And every life lost to suicide is a tragedy—one too many. According to reports, Nigeria’s suicide rate has been placed at 17.3 per 100,000 in some sources, higher than the global average of 10.3 per 100,000. A General Psychiatry study cited that 50 % of the suicide cases covered by Nigerian newspaper reports were people younger than 34.
These aren’t just statistics. These are young lives cut short. And because mental illness—depression, anxiety, substance misuse—is often misunderstood or hidden, the risk only grows. In a country where many still believe crisis must be spiritual in origin, or that shame must remain secret, we have an urgent need to intervene differently.
That’s where mental health first-aid becomes critical.
What Is Mental Health First-Aid?
Mental health first-aid is training that equips everyday people; students, staff in schools or offices, youth leaders, community members to recognize early signs of mental distress, provide supportive listening, ask the right questions, and guide someone in crisis toward help. It’s like physical first aid for the mind. It doesn’t replace a therapist, but it gives you the skills to act before things spiral.
In Nigeria, where professional support is under-resourced and stigma is still high, first-aid training serves several essential purposes:
It normalises the conversation. When young Nigerians learn to see mental distress as something treatable rather than shameful, we chip away at taboo.
It builds safety nets in everyday spaces. Schools, small businesses, religious or community centres—these are places where people spend much of their lives. Having trained people nearby means someone in a crisis doesn’t feel utterly alone.
It enables early intervention. Many mental health problems escalate because warning signs were ignored. If a friend notices persistent withdrawal, mood swings, or suicidal thoughts, first-aid training helps them respond with compassion rather than dismissal.
Why Now Matters (Especially for Young Nigerians)
Nigeria is home to one of the youngest populations in the world. Many of us are under pressure—academic demands, unemployment, rising cost of living, family expectations, and social media comparisons. Add limited mental health resources, and you have a silent crisis.
One estimate suggests Nigeria records as many as 15,000 suicide deaths annually and yet attempted suicide was criminalised under sections of the legal code until recently. The law, fear of stigma, and lack of awareness combine so that many people suffering in silence never reach help until it is too late.
Mental health first-aid doesn’t wait for perfect policy, or full funding. It starts with education, empathy, and equipping real people to respond humanely. It says: you don’t have to be a therapist to care. You just have to be willing to believe someone’s pain matters.
How Mental Health First-Aid Training Helps
Here’s what first-aid training can do in practical terms:
Spot the Warning Signs. Persistent mood changes, withdrawal from friends, talk of hopelessness, or increasing use of alcohol or substances—all can be early signals.
Provide Immediate Support. Listening without judgment (“I hear you”, “You’re not alone”) rather than dismissing with insults like “mad” or accusing mental health sufferers of laziness or sin.
Safe Referral. Knowing where to guide someone—to a counsellor, therapist, or a trusted peer support network. Having phone numbers, app-based services, or local clinics ready.
Reduce Stigma Through Language. Using compassionate and accurate words to describe distress. Teaching peers that suicide thoughts or depression are health issues—not a moral failing.
Empower Communities. Schools, churches, clubs, co-workers—all can become places of emotional safety rather than judgment.
Personal Appeal — Why It Hits Close to Home
I’ve been in moments where the weight was too much. I’ve known young people who considered ending their lives because no one seemed to understand. It hurts to think that such services—mental health first aid training, peer support, or simply someone to talk to—weren’t there at the time.
Every life that we can keep is worth the effort. One suicide is too many to live with on my conscience. If I had access to training, or if someone close had known how to respond without fear or shame, things might have been different.
That’s why I believe mental health first-aid is not optional. It’s essential.
Call to Action
If you’re a student leader, teacher, HR manager, youth organiser, or simply someone who cares—seek out or start mental health first-aid training in your community. Whether through NGO programmes, university clubs, or apps like Athari (which offers counselling access and mental health support), you can help save lives and reshape attitudes.
Because changing a phrase—from “They’re mad” to “They’re hurting”—can change someone’s path entirely.
About Me
I am Natasha Tsitsi Muzembe a legal and telehealth entrepreneur, and the founder of Athari, a mental health and counseling app. Through Athari Mental Health and Counseling Services Ltd, we are transforming access to therapy, breaking stigma and redefining healing for young Africans around the continent, one country at a time.
The growing concern over rising suicide cases and mental health challenges in Nigeria took centre stage on Friday as stakeholders, policymakers, and mental health advocates gathered in Lagos for a Mental Health Summit organised by Vanguard Media Ltd. The event, themed “Taming the Rising Tide of Suicide in Nigeria” with the sub-theme “Substance and Silence: Unmasking the Dual Crisis of Addiction and Suicide,” brought together experts who called for more compassionate, community-driven, and evidence-based approaches to mental health and suicide prevention.
Leading the charge was Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, who decried the alarming rate of suicide in the country, estimating that about 16,000 Nigerians die by suicide annually. He described the figure as “a staggering and heartbreaking reality,” stressing that behind the statistics were real people whose deaths could have been prevented with compassion, care, and timely intervention. “It is this conviction that led me to sponsor the Suicide Prevention Bill 2024,” he said. “The legislation seeks to decriminalise attempted suicide, rehabilitate and reintegrate survivors, and provide psychosocial support to families affected by suicide or attempted suicide.”
Ekpenyong emphasised that the fight against suicide must also confront substance addiction, noting that the two crises are deeply intertwined. “Many young Nigerians are trapped between despair and dependence,” he said. “Our response must be both compassionate and comprehensive.”
In his keynote address, Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, the Continental Representative of Lifeline International, called for urgent implementation of the suicide decriminalisation agenda, arguing that criminalising attempted suicide was counterproductive and inhumane. According to him, the continued criminalisation of attempted suicide discourages people from seeking help and perpetuates stigma around mental health. He criticised efforts to subsume the suicide prevention bill under the National Mental Health Act, saying the two issues, though related, require separate legislation.
“That law (Mental Health Act) is for people with diagnosed mental illness,” Sheikh explained. “If you subsume the suicide prevention law into it, those without a diagnosis will not be protected. We need a standalone, comprehensive suicide prevention law that covers all aspects — prevention, care, rehabilitation, and postvention support for families.” Sheikh stressed that the proposed bill before the National Assembly is designed to provide a holistic framework addressing suicide in all its dimensions. “It will protect survivors, care for families, and establish clear national mechanisms for suicide prevention,” he added.
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), who was represented by Mr. Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, said the agency was stepping up efforts to tackle substance abuse — a major driver of mental health crises. He announced plans for a new National Drug Survey and the development of a National Drug Control Master Plan (2026–2030) to guide Nigeria’s response to drug abuse. According to him, the NDLEA has invested heavily in intelligence gathering to identify patterns of drug use and provide early warning signals.
“The country is running in circles — we arrest without treatment, incarcerate without rehabilitation, and enforce without prevention,” Marwa said. “We need a more balanced approach that includes prevention, community engagement, and treatment.”
He revealed that the agency would soon deploy NDLEA Community Liaison Offices in all 774 local government areas to strengthen partnerships with local structures and promote resilience against drug abuse. “NDLEA is undergoing a profound transformation,” he said. We aim to become not merely a shield against drug trafficking but also a partner in healing and community recovery.”
Adding a psychosocial dimension to the conversation, Ms. Titilayo Tade, Training Coordinator of the Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN), urged Nigerians to cultivate empathy and open communication to counter the isolation that fuels suicide. Speaking on the topic “How Are You?”, she identified stress, depression, and economic hardship as major triggers of suicidal thoughts, warning that unaddressed mental distress can spiral into tragedy. “Businesses are collapsing, living costs are rising, and frustration is growing. People must learn to speak out — silence can be deadly,” she said.
Tade advised that the first line of help in dealing with depression or emotional distress should be counselling and therapy, whether from family members, friends, religious leaders, or mental health professionals. “Don’t wait until you are broken or close to giving up before seeking help,” she said. She also encouraged Nigerians to check on one another regularly, adding that small gestures of concern can save lives. “Let us not bottle up our anxieties. Even considering suicide should never be an option for life’s challenges,” she urged.
Incarceration should not be an impediment to proper healthcare for inmates with mental health issues. However, many people who are incarcerated in the country lack access to mental health professionals because they are in short supply.
“We have 8,246 inmates with mental health conditions in our custodial centres,” according to the Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of medical services, Dr Glory Essien. She gave this figure during the third public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), held in Abuja, on August 12.
From her explanation, the mental health of these inmates had been impacted by their incarceration. She said: “From the moment someone is brought in—those who have seen a custodial centre know what I mean—the police escort them to the gate, it’s opened, they’re admitted, and then that gate locks behind them.
“That instant loss of freedom can trigger something. Some begin to show signs of disturbed behaviour almost immediately, as if something in their mind has shifted.”
When this happens, the shortage of mental health workers complicates the problem. “If you’re in a facility housing 500 to 1,000 inmates, and you’re the only attending doctor, nurse, or psychologist, it’s simply not possible to monitor everyone individually,” she observed.
The prison system, therefore, trains some inmates to assist the staff in identifying those showing signs of poor mental health, she added. According to her, they are “trained to alert the staff when they notice concerning behaviour. They might say, ‘This inmate seems dazed, hasn’t eaten, hasn’t spoken to anyone.’ Such observations help the staff to “intervene early,” she said. But she noted that these efforts are inadequate in dealing with the scale of the problem.
Two other speakers at the event gave further insights into the issue. The Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of pharmaceutical services, Mohammed Bashir, said there were 81,122 inmates in 256 correctional facilities nationwide, adding that specialised consultants “usually go to about 12 designated custodial centres that have a large number of these cases.” This is concerning. Correctional centres with a small number of such cases also deserve attention.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, noted the maldistribution of mental health professionals, saying, “Let them not only be centred in Abuja and Lagos; we need them to go out to the fields. Because if we even put two in the states, it will help them.”
The authorities need to address this aspect of conditions in the country’s correctional centres.
When disasters strike—whether floods, wars, epidemics, or accidents—the damage often goes beyond what we can see. Beyond broken homes and disrupted livelihoods lie broken hearts, silent grief, and unseen trauma. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, the World Health Organization reported a 25% global rise in anxiety and depression in just one year. This shows that when crises happen, mental health suffers deeply too.
Yet, the emotional toll of emergencies often goes unnoticed. These events tear families apart, heighten fear, and shake people’s sense of safety and stability. That is why this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” could not have come at a better time. It reminds us that mental health support is not something we wait for calm times to provide; it is a necessity even in chaos.
However, access to mental health care remains a privilege for many, especially in developing nations. Take Nigeria, for instance. With a population of over 200 million people, there are fewer than 1,000 mental health professionals in the entire country. This means millions are left without help, and during emergencies, the gap widens even more.
In times of crisis, already fragile health systems struggle to cope. Clinics close, health workers are displaced, and people who urgently need psychological support are often left to face their pain alone. Meanwhile, humanitarian responses, though well-intentioned, are frequently uncoordinated, and many responders lack the training to provide emotional or psychological first aid. As a result, countless individuals remain unsupported during their most vulnerable moments.
At Mental Drive Africa (MDA), we have seen this reality up close. Through our school programs, community outreaches, and wellness initiatives, we have learned that access begins with integration. Mental health must be treated as a vital part of overall health and emergency response, not as an afterthought. When mental health care is included within primary healthcare systems, people can seek help in the same places they receive physical care—without shame or delay.
In addition, community-based care is key. When disasters happen, it is the community that responds first. By training local health workers, teachers, and volunteers in basic psychological first aid, we make help more immediate, trusted, and accessible. Community-led initiatives, like MDA’s Exhale Community, show how peer support and safe conversations can help people heal, grow, and regain resilience even in the toughest times.
Moreover, investing in capacity building remains one of the most sustainable ways to strengthen access. When frontline workers and everyday citizens are equipped to recognize signs of distress and offer support, the ripple effect is powerful. Healing becomes a shared responsibility, and communities are empowered to help themselves.
Preparedness also plays a critical role. Including mental health in emergency response plans ensures no one is left behind. This could mean setting up mobile clinics, ensuring access to medication, creating emergency helplines, or embedding mental health professionals within rapid response teams. These measures help communities recover not just physically, but emotionally too.
Of course, no sustainable change can happen without strong policies and proper funding. Unfortunately, mental health often receives less than 2% of health budgets in many countries, leaving services underfunded and out of reach. Governments, organizations, and donors must begin to treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health. Investing in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation saves lives and strengthens the overall resilience of societies.
And now, more than ever, technology is helping bridge the gap. Digital tools like teletherapy, mobile apps, and online counseling platforms have made it possible for people to receive help even in areas where stigma, distance, or limited professionals once stood in the way. When combined with community outreach, these innovations create safe and flexible ways for people to seek support wherever they are.
As the world marks World Mental Health Day, we at Mental Drive Africa echo the global call for stronger access to mental health care, especially in times of crisis. Every person deserves a chance to heal, to be heard, and to find hope again—no matter what storms they face.
Through our ongoing programs, from mental health education in schools to market outreaches and community-based therapy support, we are committed to bringing wellness closer to the people who need it most. But we cannot do it alone. We call on governments, organizations, and individuals to join hands in building systems that prioritize mental well-being in every emergency response.
Because mental health is not a privilege. It is a right—for everyone, everywhere, and even in the most catastrophic times.
Precious Adeyinka, is the Founder, Mental Drive Africa
Incarceration should not be an impediment to proper healthcare for inmates with mental health issues. However, many people who are incarcerated in the country lack access to mental health professionals because they are in short supply.
“We have 8,246 inmates with mental health conditions in our custodial centres,” according to the Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of medical services, Dr Glory Essien. She gave this figure during the third public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), held in Abuja, on August 12.
From her explanation, the mental health of these inmates had been impacted by their incarceration. She said: “From the moment someone is brought in—those who have seen a custodial centre know what I mean—the police escort them to the gate, it’s opened, they’re admitted, and then that gate locks behind them.
“That instant loss of freedom can trigger something. Some begin to show signs of disturbed behaviour almost immediately, as if something in their mind has shifted.”
When this happens, the shortage of mental health workers complicates the problem. “If you’re in a facility housing 500 to 1,000 inmates, and you’re the only attending doctor, nurse, or psychologist, it’s simply not possible to monitor everyone individually,” she observed.
The prison system, therefore, trains some inmates to assist the staff in identifying those showing signs of poor mental health, she added. According to her, they are “trained to alert the staff when they notice concerning behaviour. They might say, ‘This inmate seems dazed, hasn’t eaten, hasn’t spoken to anyone.’ Such observations help the staff to “intervene early,” she said. But she noted that these efforts are inadequate in dealing with the scale of the problem.
Two other speakers at the event gave further insights into the issue. The Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of pharmaceutical services, Mohammed Bashir, said there were 81,122 inmates in 256 correctional facilities nationwide, adding that specialised consultants “usually go to about 12 designated custodial centres that have a large number of these cases.” This is concerning. Correctional centres with a small number of such cases also deserve attention.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, noted the maldistribution of mental health professionals, saying, “Let them not only be centred in Abuja and Lagos; we need them to go out to the fields. Because if we even put two in the states, it will help them.”
The authorities need to address this aspect of conditions in the country’s correctional centres.
Sir: Within the Nigerian state, a huge number of teens and young adults are burdened with anxiety, depression, fear, and a profound sense of loneliness. This situation mirrors global trends, as one in seven adolescents experiences a mental health disorder, often with severe consequences including psychosis, social withdrawal, poor academic performance, self-harm, suicide, and an uncertain future (WHO, 2025).
Worse still, both individuals and the government fail to take this condition of mental ill-health seriously particularly in Nigeria. More troubling are the cultural narratives surrounding mental health disorders, which describe victims as possessed by evil spirits, sorcery, witchcraft, or suffering divine punishment.
But the truth remains: mental health conditions are real, and the rhetoric of cultural belief does not alter the realities or impacts. This situation therefore necessitates appropriate medical attention and psycho-social healing to foster emotional and physical well-being, socio-economic development, and a promising future, especially for the young people.
The legislative and human resource framework to address mental health challenges remains alarmingly inadequate. Nigeria, for example, has fewer than 200 psychiatrists to serve its growing population of mental health patients, resulting in escalating confusion and lack of direction (Obindo, 2024). In essence, the potential contribution of Nigeria’s vibrant, energetic, and resourceful youth to nation-building remains precariously at risk. This reality calls for immediate intervention from government and stakeholders, as well as a complete overhaul of the healthcare system.
As a nation, we must devise formidable strategies and innovative approaches to mitigate this deeply entrenched and feared phenomenon before it corrodes our societal norms, denies our youth their rightful place in nation-building, and turns the dreams of our forbearers into a mirage.
This imperative underscores the need for robust awareness campaigns led by the government and relevant stakeholders to educate on the nature, symptoms, and implications of mental health conditions. It further demands proactive government investment in mental healthcare infrastructure and the initiation of policies, legislation, and programs that confront stigmatization, harmful cultural practices, and bullying especially within our learning institutions and communities. Such interventions will undoubtedly help cultivate a generation of emotionally and mentally resilient young men and women, prepared to contribute meaningfully to nation-building in all its dimensions.
Additionally, efforts must be made to recruit trained counsellors and social workers across both public and private schools, to ensure that guidance and counselling are prioritized from the foundational stages of education. In doing so, mental health issues among children, teens, and adolescents can be addressed early, before escalating into adulthood.
Lastly, parents and guardians must be vigilant in observing signs and symptoms of mental distress in their children and wards, and respond with urgency. Such mental health conditions should not be dismissed with casual phrases like “pray about it,” nor seen merely as spiritual afflictions imposed by perceived enemies.
Nigeria is battling a silent but deadly epidemic that is ravaging its youths and this is an escalating crisis of mental and psychological illnesses and imbalances which have been exacerbated by drug abuse that has largely remained in the shadows. From the streets of urban and rural settlements in Nigeria to secondary school classrooms and university campuses, young Nigerians, both male and female are grappling and struggling with a surge in depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and suicide, often with little to no support.
Statistics paint a sad picture. The World Health Organization estimates that one in every five Nigerians suffers from a mental health disorder of some kind, and the burden is increasingly falling on the country’s youth. A study in Enugu State reported that 30.7 percent of secondary school students showed signs of depression, while 36.4 percent experienced anxiety disorders. Even more alarming, 8.4 percent of these students admitted to having suicidal thoughts. Among university students, similar patterns have emerged. Research conducted in southwestern Nigeria revealed that 14.9 percent of undergraduates experienced mild anxiety, 10.4 percent had moderate symptoms, and nearly two percent were severely anxious. Depression was also prevalent, with 16 percent of students ranging from mildly to severely affect.
However, poor mental health is only part of the equation. In recent years, Nigeria’s streets have been flooded with dangerous, foreign, local and sometimes home-brewed drugs that have become especially popular among teenagers, university students and young adults. Young people are abusing potent strains of cannabis, commonly referred to as “Canadian loud,” mpkuru miri which is an Igbo slang term for crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth or simply meth, alongside concoctions such as “skushies,” a dangerous mixture of soft drinks or alcohol laced with cannabis, tramadol, codeine, and rohypnol. Others turn to “Colorado,” a synthetic cannabinoid known for triggering acute hallucinations and psychosis; “monkey tail,” a locally brewed mix of ogogoro (local gin) and cannabis or opioids such as “gutter water,” a murky cocktail of sedatives and narcotics; and “gegemu,” a fermented herbal substance that can be laced with psychoactive agents and other psychoactive agents and chemicals too numerous to identify.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that over 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 have used drugs, with cannabis being the most abused substance. In urban and semi-urban areas, around 20 percent of young people report having experimented with drugs, and over 10 percent are habitual users. Owing to the large population which Nigeria has, these statistics or percentages no matter how small point to a large number of individuals being identified as users and abusers of these psychoactive substances. These drugs have been linked to a growing wave of drug-induced psychosis, suicidal behaviour, rape, imprisonment, physical assault, thuggery, truancy, academic decline, and violent outbursts, particularly among young users in secondary and tertiary institutions as well as on the streets in major cities, towns and villages around the country.
Despite the magnitude of the crisis, the country’s mental health infrastructure remains in poor state. The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) recently raised alarm over the shortage of trained mental health professionals. According to APN President, Professor Taiwo Obindo, fewer than 200 psychiatrists are available to serve Nigeria’s population of more than 200 million. This is roughly a ratio of one psychiatrist to a million Nigerians. This is not acceptable and concrete steps have to be taken to reverse this trend. While speaking at the 55th annual conference of the association in Ilorin, Professor Obindo, called the situation a national emergency and urged immediate government intervention. There is need to invest in education, infrastructure and remuneration in other to improve the statistics in this area. There is urgent need for the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) to work closely with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to provide and expand accreditation and training of psychiatrists in Nigeria.
Amidst this scarcity, technology is emerging as a potential lifeline. One innovative effort is Awadoc, a digital health platform launched by renowned medical influencer Dr. Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor. Awadoc leverages WhatsApp and AI-powered tools to help users identify symptoms, consult licensed doctors, and access medications. Though primarily a general health platform, Awadoc is increasingly seen as a model for how telemedicine can address mental health needs, especially in underserved communities.
Other mental health specific platforms, such as MindMentor, Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), and She Writes Woman’s Safe Place Nigeria, are also making significant strides. These initiatives offer virtual therapy, peer support, mental health education, and crisis intervention all accessible via smartphones.
For many young Nigerians, especially those fearful of stigma or unable to afford therapy, such digital tools provide a private and empowering pathway to recovery. Yet these innovations are not without challenges. Many rural communities lack reliable internet access, and data costs remain prohibitive for many users. Moreover, there is no comprehensive national policy to scale these digital interventions, increase the awareness of people on the availability of these interventions or integrate them into school systems.
Experts emphasize that mental health awareness must begin at the grassroots. Schools and institutions at all levels must incorporate mental health education into their curricula, employ trained counsellors, and establish support frameworks that enable early detection and response. At the same time, community leaders, religious institutions, parents, and youth organizations must be educated to recognize signs of distress and break the longstanding silence surrounding mental health.
The agencies of government especially the NDLEA- Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency have been doing a good job but they must be encouraged to do more. This agency must be funded in other to equip them with better staff strength, vehicles and infrastructure for their service. There is the need to build and equip NDLEA with the right kind of laboratories and equipment to help them do an even better job. Customs and immigration services should also be encouraged to put more effort to see to it that it becomes increasingly difficult to traffic these substances across our borders. The harm being caused by these psychoactive substances to our youths and society in general is enormous and cannot be ignored or even adequately quantified.
The mental well-being of Nigeria’s youth is too important to be ignored. With more than a third of students suffering from anxiety and depression, and nearly one in five engaged in dangerous substance use, the nation risks losing its most vital asset and its future. This is not just a health issue; it is a national security, education, and development crisis. This is the future of our dear country that substance abuse is threatening to erode.
Breaking the silence means investing in mental health care, regulating and outright blocking of access to dangerous substances, scaling digital innovations, and dismantling the stigma that still surrounds these issues. The time for action is now. Silence, in the face of such a devastating epidemic, is no longer an option.
Taye (PhD.) is a medical microbiologist and public health researcher. He writes from Lead City University, Ibadan.
The Elizabethan Humanitarian Life Foundation, H&H, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) focused on the wellbeing of boys and men, has released an emotionally charged anthem titled: “We dey for you” in celebration of father’s day.
“Fathers are not just being celebrated – they are finally speaking, and it’s time we truly listened,” founder of the foundation Mrs Oyinade Samuel-Eluwole said.
Stating that the anthem is aimed at giving fathers a voice, she explained: “We went to the streets, market places, parks, roadside stalls, bus stops, and union halls, and met fathers of all kinds – mechanics, traders, transport workers, professionals, civil servants – and what we saw was deeply symbolic. These men are tired of being strong in silence. From a lotto sub-agent in Ikeja to a civil servant in Agege, the responses were poignant.”
The result is a campaign that humanises the often-invisible struggles of men. Built on the pillars of Mental Health Campaign Awareness, Advocacy, and Programmes (Community Engagement), the initiative aims to shift the narrative about men from stoic providers to emotionally compliant human beings.
“We dey suffer too,” a National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) staff in Ikeja, Mr Olufemi Adedeji said.
“But nobody dey ask us how we dey feel. And now na woman come de fight for men. Na waa. This woman de try. My prayer be say make government come help am as in dey wan help the men. This Foundation dey try.”
Head of Clinical Psychology at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr Tayo Ajirotutu said the campaign is timely and necessary.
According to him: “There’s an epidemic of unspoken male trauma. If society continues to silence men, we shouldn’t be surprised when they implode or withdraw. What H&H is doing is what clinical psychology has long advocated – safe spaces for emotional release. Fathers carry burdens that kill silently – hypertension, depression, isolation.”
Research from Nigeria’s Ministry of Health shows that men are far less likely to seek help for mental or emotional distress.
Depression among men often manifests as anger or silence, leading to tragic consequences – estranged families, addiction, violence, even suicide.
“By the time most men come to the clinic to seek assistance, they are already in crisis,” Dean, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Lagos State University College of Medicine, LASUCOM, Prof Omoniyi Kayode Yemitan noted.
“We need early intervention, and public awareness. Society’s silence is part of the problem. That’s why initiatives like this by H&H Foundation are revolutionary.”
Giving voice to men is one of the most important aspects of this campaign Samuel-Eluwole stressed.
“When my children were born, I promised myself I’d be better than my father,” a lotto agent who hasn’t taken a sick day in 11 years, Mr David Okezie, said.
“But nobody ever asked how I’m coping. This initiative feels like fresh air.” A 52-year-old civil servant, Polycarp Izokun, expressed gratitude.
“Sometimes I want to cry, but who has time? Na man I be. “I work hard, provide, but I go home tired and empty. Just hearing that someone cares – that for me is healing. And hearing others speak; I now know that I am not alone. That’s encouraging.”
“It’s not that men don’t feel,” a trader at Ogba,.Lagos, Mallam Abubakar Ibrahim, explained. “It’s just that we were never taught how to say what we feel. Growing up we were given the impression that as men we must not display or exhibit our emotions, especially publicly. We must be brave at all times. We must not cry or say how we feel.”
Their voices echo a central theme: the need to humanise fatherhood, not just romanticise it. Fathers want more than praise. They want presence. They want partnership. They want policy.
One of the most emotional moments captured during the Foundation’s outreach was the story of a father who lost his wife during childbirth and has since raised his daughter alone.
“I don’t want pity,” he said, “I want my daughter to see me cry and know it’s okay to be human.” His voice trembled – but it spoke volumes.
Central to this year’s celebration is the debut of “We Dey For You,” an emotional ballad composed to reflect the invisible strength and unspoken love of fathers.
“The song is both a tribute and a therapy,” Samuel-Eluwole explained..
“It gives fathers the validation they often don’t receive, while reminding them – and everyone else – that they are not alone.”
The song dropped on June 15, Father’s Day, across streaming platforms and social media, with a video that includes clips from the Foundation’s Street interviews.
The lyrics combine Pidgin English and Yoruba in a way that is both intimate and universal. It is not just a melody – it is a mirror.
As we honour fathers this year, perhaps we can honour them not just with songs but with systems, Samuel-Eluwole appealed..
” Not just with messages, but with movement. Let us listen to our fathers – not just on Father’s Day, but every day.”
And perhaps in listening, we’ll finally hear what we’ve been missing: the silent heartbeat of our homes.
Since its inception, H&H Foundation has observed a mixed but growing response. “We’re still in our early days,” Samuel-Eluwole noted. Beyond emotional resonance, the campaign faces systemic barriers.
“Male-centered programmes are underfunded. There’s media reluctance. And many still misinterpret male advocacy as anti-women,” Samuel-Eluwole explained. “But this movement is for everyone – wives, daughters, and communities benefit from stable men.”
The long-term goal is to build a continuous, year-round movement. The foundation is calling on governments, NGOs, faith groups, and donors to fund fatherhood and male mental health initiatives, train male-focused community counsellors, adopt father-inclusive workplace policies and normalize male emotional expression in media and education.
According to Samuel-Eluwole, “When fathers are strengthened, families are stabilised. When men are heard, society is healthier.” For her, the inspiration for the foundation stems from a personal and professional awakening.
Indeed, the Foundation’s work has resonated beyond Lagos. Through social media, street interviews, and community outreach, H&H has created an emerging space for men to reclaim emotional agency. Some of the men interviewed reportedly opened up emotionally for the first time in years.
Yet, despite its impact, the Foundation faces numerous challenges: Cultural silence that discourages male vulnerability. Public misinterpretation that frames male advocacy as anti-women. Media reluctance to spotlight non-sensational stories. Limited funding, since male-centric advocacy remains under-prioritized in the development sector. “We face resistance,” Samuel-Eluwole admits. “But we remain undeterred. Because every man who shares, heals. And every healed man impacts a family.
The Foundation is not asking for applause. It is asking for support – and accountability. For us at the foundation we need partnerships at all levels – governments, communities, and organizations: We need to partner on awareness and educational campaigns. Train fatherhood counsellors across LGAs. Implement family-friendly policies, such as paternal leave and workplace mental health access. Encourage emotional literacy for boys as part of school curriculums.
“Fathers are not accessories to parenting,” she says. “They are pillars. But even pillars crack if no one cares for them.”
And as the voices of everyday fathers now echo across platforms through this campaign, one message is crystal clear: “Let us listen to our fathers – not just on Father’s Day, but every day.”
