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Tag: Mental health

  • Top five mental health apps for adults

    Top five mental health apps for adults

    The mental health of elderly individuals is, unfortunately, often overlooked.

    However, maintaining good mental health is crucial for seniors, especially if they aim to live a healthy and happy life.

    The following options are online therapy, mental exercises, and meditation:

    Here are some online therapy, mental exercises, and meditation options:

    1. MindMate

    MindMate, an award-winning application, is one of the best online mental health aids for adults. MindMate is also accessible for desktop/PC web browsers, making it ideal for seniors who are more comfortable with computers but struggle with touch devices.

    To begin using MindMate, enter your birth year and present state. Then take a simple memory test. MindMatethen tailors a programme of games, workouts, and articles to your specific needs.

    However, you can select your own activities from a wide range of additional possibilities, including over 200 exercises and 100 healthy foods.

    2. TalkLife

    When professional therapy or counselling is not an option, an app like TalkLife allows you to discuss and share with a global community of peers.

    The chat categories or filters include grief and anxiety, two prevalent mental health conditions that seniors may be struggling with.

    Furthermore, the TalkLife app is completely configurable. As a result, you can filter the postings to only show those from persons over 40, making it easy to identify older folks to relate to or those who are going through similar experiences as you.

    3. 7 Cups

    7 Cups is a mobile app and online therapy platform that provides free online therapy and counselling through trained volunteer listeners, as well as paid online help from professional therapists.

    Seniors can tremendously benefit from having someone to talk to, whether it’s a volunteer, a therapist, or just someone in the community.

    According to a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, older persons respond better to psychological therapy than working-age adults.

    7 Cups provides general support groups, guided talks, and threads. However, its 50 & Over Community distinguishes it as a great software for seniors. Before committing to a paid subscription, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using therapeutic apps

    4. Sensalus

    Your physical and mental well-being are intricately intertwined. To maintain good mental health, you must also take care of your physical health. Sensalus is a mobile health and fitness app that elders will like! 

    The Sensalus app includes everything from tasty recipes and nutritional advice to weekly fitness plans, sleep sounds, and bedtime stories.

    Read Also: Soma Apex: Voice for mental health

    Furthermore, the Sensalus app guarantees that training classes are matched to your exact fitness level. So, if you are a senior with limited mobility and strength, the app will tailor the training class to your needs.

    5. Lumosity

    Although ageing can cause deficits in specific cognitive capacities, this does not indicate that you should stop using your brain.

    The Lumosity app is designed to challenge and enhance your intellect, which is a vital aspect of protecting senior mental health. Once you’ve determined your baseline, Lumosity recommends brain games that are ideal for you.

    Over 50 cognitive games target skills such as memory, attention, speed, problem-solving, and many more. Highway Hazards, Tidal Treasures, and Assist Ants are just a few of the fascinating brain games available.

  • Governors’ wives seek end to mental health stigma among women

    Governors’ wives seek end to mental health stigma among women

    • • States’ helmsmen’s spouses take campaign to UN

    Officials of the Nigerian Governors Spouses Forum (NGSF) have called for an end to the stigmatisation of women with mental health challenges to enable more women seek and get help.

    The chairperson of the forum and Kwara State governor’s wife, Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, made the call at a presentation by ORUNSII Welcare Foundation on the sidelines of the United Nations’ 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) in New York, the United States of America (U.S.A.).

    Speaking on the theme: Challenges Encountered by Vulnerable Women in Accessing Mental Health Care and Strategies for Improvement: The Nigerian and African American Perspective, Mrs. AbdulRazaq, who led other governors’ wives to the event, said stigma was the major challenge women faced in their efforts to get help.

    “We (spouses) are in the various states and working with our women to make sure that they can come out and seek help. A lot of women are battling depression and anxiety. They have so many other illnesses and they don’t come out to seek help.

    “So, this is why we are trying our best to make sure that they come out. We go to the market places, we do jingles, we get them to open up and then we get them treated in various psychiatric homes, including trado-psychiatric homes.

    “We use the normal women centres; and all these efforts are really working. What we continue to work on is the issue of stigma because people refuse to look for help because of stigma. So, that’s why we are trying to make sure that people do not see mental health as an abominable thing…” Aside from getting people to seek help, Abdulrazag said events such as the CSW provided platforms for them to seek partners and donors to ensure that people with mental health issues get treated.

    “We look for partners, we look for people to help us, we look for people to donate drugs. I mean we have got some pharmacies recently that offered to donate some medications to some people so that’s what we try to do.

    “We continue to advocate for people to help us out, those that cannot donate fully to subsidise and make it (mental health treatment) affordable. “At the Primary Healthcare (PHC) level, we try to make sure that the women speak up when they are doing their antenatal or other routine hospital appointments…So, some of the medications are given to them free of charge during their antenatal and the state government continue to help in this regard and our various partners.

    Read Also: NEITI: Three tiers of government share N10.143tr in 2023

    Using Kwara State as example, Mrs. Abdulrazaq said they were also prioritising issues of youths and drug abuse, adding that they were doing this in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    She said: “We just did a workshop with NDLEA to continue to make sure that we have skills and know what to do. We were very said at one point when we heard that women were using their kiosks to peddle drugs. We have worked on that really hard and we have made sure that women know that they are mothers and they cannot do this.”

    Soliciting support from participants, the convener and wife of Lagos Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the need for special attention on the mental health and well-being of women.

    “We would like to emphasize our need for your support and in case you think, why do I need to do that? I don’t have any relative or know anyone who has mental health issues.

    “God is very wonderful, when your children and grandchildren get married, you have no control over who it is that they marry. So, one way or the other, it just may be at the backdoor,” she said.

    She explained that donations could be done through lending of choice paintings to the organisation for exhibition at the museums so that the foundation would get the fees and then return the painting to its owner

  • Reps committee urge concerted efforts to tackle mental health

    Reps committee urge concerted efforts to tackle mental health

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Specialty Healthcare, Dr Alex Egbona, has urged concerted efforts by stakeholders to address the issue of mental health in the country.

    He said this during a legislative roundtable with stakeholders on mental health, trauma and specialty healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

    He said the Committee was going to vigorously make efforts through collaborations to ensure the menace is tackled.

    Egbona said mental health problem affects everybody in the society and should be addressed urgently, especially against the background of the economic hardship in the country.

    He said, “So the mental health situation is almost in every household. Everybody in Nigeria has a mental health situation or problem. Look at what is happening to food crisis. I am from a farming area. Where I am from a bag of garri ordinary was supposed to be N1000 a bag but now it is is N22,000. I don’t understand that kind of increase. It has a mental torture.

    “We should be very careful with mental situation in Nigeria. You can someone walking on the streets and he is thinking of suicide. To that person that is the only solution. We are going to that level so we must address this situation this situation in Nigeria. We are taking it to all states of the federation and we need your support.

    “This committee is a new committee. It was not in the 9th Assembly but a creation of the present leadership of the 10th Assembly. We would discuss with you further. We are going to have partnerships. Let’s see how collectively we can use this opportunity to address this problem, he said.

    Read Also; Two foreigners held for ‘forex manipulation’

    Also speaking, a member of the Committee, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, said mental health is a huge problem in Nigeria, mainly caused by trauma and hardship.

    He regretted that not much has been done to address the problem in the country.

    He said, “Our country has not paid too much attention to institutions that tend to diagnose and dissect people’s mental health. I am of the opinion that every paramilitary in this country should undergo some type of mental evaluation at least once a year to ascertain their current state of mind.

    “With the level of deprivation and hardship in the country and when one is not able to pay rent, and take care of basic needs it could drive a man crazy. This is why we are recording the number of deaths in the country by men that have children.

    “It is important for one to be sane before one can actually think straight and generate revenue and add value to his country of origin. Therefore I would like to use this opportunity to state categorically that we members of this committee would do everything within our power to provide any form of assistance to required to help solve exhaustively the mental problem that out dear resilient citizens of this country are having.”
    One of the stakeholders at the event, Ameh Zion Abba, said mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, and its significance cannot be overstated, especially in the current climate where individuals are facing unprecedented challenges.

    Abba, who is the Founder of Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative, expressed gratitude for the Committee’s dedication and commitment to prioritizing mental health awareness in legislative discussions.

    He was hopeful that working together, they could effect positive change in our communities.

    “Your presence here today, as top esteemed legislators and Executives, underscores the importance of this issue and highlights our shared responsibility to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote mental health awareness, destigmatize mental illness, and ensure access to quality mental health care for all.

    “Poor mental health cuts across health systems. For example, people with mental health conditions are at increased risk of HIV and TB and vice versa these endemics will never be ended without investment in, and integration of, mental health. To manage such challenges, mental health services should be embedded in primary healthcare, normalising and maximising access. UHC is incomplete without mental health.

    “As we engage in discussions, share insights, and explore strategies to enhance mental health support systems, let us remember the profound impact our decisions can have on the lives of countless individuals and families. Let us strive to cultivate an environment of compassion, support, and inclusivity where individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.

    “Together, we have the power to make a meaningful difference and pave the way for a future where mental health is prioritized, valued, and treated with the same importance as physical health. I am confident that our collective efforts will lead to positive outcomes and contribute to building healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come,” he said.

  • Suicide and mental health epidemic

    Suicide and mental health epidemic

    SIR: Saratu Redemption Maikeffi, a 100-level student of Microbiology in the Nasarawa State University Keffi took her life towards the end of last year. According to reports, the self-described actress, beauty queen and CEO of Rhina Bakery ingested a poisonous substance as a result of mounting emotional pain. Her death continues what has become a silent but devastating trend among young Nigerians — taking their life in the hope, or expectation, that things will get better elsewhere.

    Early this year, Amarachi Igwe, a female bank staff, took her life within the premises of the bank in Lagos. Her death, which sent shockwaves around the country, was preceded by a suicide note in which she lamented the difficulties of living in Nigeria.

    The heart-wrenching note written clearly in a notepad was clear and startling in its despair and hopelessness.

    For many years now, there has been a mental health epidemic of depression in Nigeria. This state of almost mass depression has been suspected for a while now but has only started to come to the fore recently thanks to increased sensitization, improved awareness and less stigmatization.

    However, despite these, Nigeria remains a country where rampaging mental illness is rampant, and many are silently hanging on to dear life by the skin of their teeth.

    Nigeria’s staggering struggles to build a country where everyone can lead a quality live is well documented. Insecurity, outrageous living costs, bad governance complete with calamitous government policies are just a few of the issues. Perhaps, the greatest indictment of just how difficult life is in Nigeria is the fact that Nigeria’s youngest, those who carry the country’s hopes, are desperate to live in the country.

    Read Also: Accidental misfiring killed soldier not suicide, says Army

    They also count among those taking their lives as things stand. Let down by a country where the fewest are the richest, they see no way out.

    It takes another level of desperation to take one’s life. Man’s greatest instinct is self-preservation. Thus, the moment one begins to entertain recurring thoughts of taking one’s life and goes to the extent of acting on it, the darkness within is at an extraordinary level.

    To keep Nigerians from getting consumed by what is a mental health epidemic, the government must do more both to improve the lives of Nigerians, but also to improve access to mental health services. Invariably, to keep Nigerians from the slippery slope of suicide, conscious efforts must be made to improve the quality of their lives as well as improve access to mental healthcare.

    Until these are deliberately and constantly improved, Nigeria can expect to be rocked occasionally by the suicide of otherwise healthy citizens.

     Alarm bells should toll at the fact that otherwise optimistic people are now very much on the precipice.

    Life may be hard, but nothing is harder than the decision to take one’s life, and the distressing actualization of that decision.

    • Ike Willie-Nwobu, ikewilly9@gmail.com
  • Don seeks Mental Health Act amendment

    Don seeks Mental Health Act amendment

    A Professor of Medical Law, Titilayo Aderibigbe, has called for the amendment of the Mental Health Act 2023 to incorporate traditional healers who are focused on treating mental problem.

    Aderibigbe delivered the 46th inaugural lecture of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. It was entitled: “Engagement with the human body: Searching through the prism of law to shape the future”.

    According to her,  the amendment of the act would not only help to expand but would also improve the nation’s healthcare system.

    She said while the mental health act seeks to protect people with mental  illness from all forms of abuse, violence and torture, among others, it, however, did not take into consideration the traditional  healers that offer about 80 percent of healthcare in Nigeria.

    The don noted that research has  also shown that most of these traditional healers provide therapy that is in tandem with the cultural belief system.

    “Therefore, I am advocating that the government incorporates traditional healers into our healthcare system through  rigorous vetting and genuine intention to expand and improve our healthcare through the amendment of Mental Health Act 2023,”  she said.

    Read Also: “Rising mental health challenge requires proper oversight, legislative intervention”

    On sexual abuse of adolescents, the Professor of Medical Law said a more practical way to protect the adolescent victims of sexual abuse was to regularly train  officers who prosecute rape cases in court.

    She called on other state governments to establish special offices for members of the public to report rape anonymously.

    According to her, since ‘the law is the fabric that propels society and is used to engage with different aspects of the human body’, legislators should expand their consultation to the ivory towers.

    “For this reason, I believe it is important that the National Assembly take the pain to consult the Ivory towers when legislative amendments are proposed before passing them,” she said.

     Aderibigbe enjoined educational institutions to desist from promoting programmes that focus on sexualisation of young men and women’s bodies, while encouraging  those with healthy interactions, learning of new skills and healthy engagement.

    She praised Babcock University for introducing programmes that engage  students on regular basis.

  • Firms partner on data use for mental health research

    Firms partner on data use for mental health research

    The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), in partnership with Wellcome, is set to unveil a new initiative next year that aims to address the gaps in our understanding of anxiety, depression and psychosis and improve evidence-based decisions making practice in Africa.

    The Mental Health Data Prize – Africa is embarking on a transformative journey, harnessing data and data-driven insights to ignite innovation and reshape the mental health landscape through research that solves challenges while enhancing the continent’s data capabilities. Under the initiative, multidisciplinary teams will be set up to generate scalable innovations and data driven insights that can contribute to our understanding of anxiety, depression and psychosis in Africa.

    The Wellcome-funded prize is the first of its kind and is open to innovators, researchers and startups, whose initiatives will be competing for up to five-10 awards, each valued at £200,000 that come with funding over 12 months.

    As part of this initiative interested individuals can sign up for a free capacity building program over five months. This is meant to help them unlock the full potential of data science, advanced statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms tailored for mental health applications in the continent. APHRC will assist in forming multidisciplinary teams, match-making individuals, and providing access to identified data sources.

    Speaking on the initiative, Executive Director at APHRC, Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi, said: “The prize is a clarion call to the entire mental health fraternity across Africa to unite in the fight against anxiety, depression and psychosis, which are the most prevalent disorders in the region and globally. This prize exists to drive excellence and innovation in harnessing data to solve some of our biggest mental health challenges by bringing together the best minds in mental health research and data analytics from across the continent.”

    Dr Kyobutungi noted that significant gaps exist in data on mental health in Africa, limiting the understanding of the scale of the challenge as well as available evidence to inform interventions against anxiety, depression and psychosis, challenges that the prize seeks to address.

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    The Data Prize Manager at Wellcome, Ekin Bolukbasi, said: “This ground-breaking prize demonstrates our commitment to help create a world where no one is held back by mental health problems. It aims to advance mental health science by transforming its ability to address existing challenges in continent through prevention, management and treatment. Together, we have the opportunity to improve understanding of the trajectory and resolution of common mental disorders for a better and more resilient future for all.”

    The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 116 million people in Africa were living with a mental condition before the COVID-19 pandemic. The high prevalence of mental health conditions has been driven by challenges of daily living, widespread conflict, public health emergencies and other factors. This has taken a heavy toll on the lives of people, disrupting their ability to function and thrive and leading to lost productivity, great suffering and emotional pain for individuals, their families and communities.

    However, access to quality mental health care in the continent is limited, primarily attributed to inadequate investment in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services. Comprehensive, up-to-date data can help provide insights into anxiety, depression and psychosis, assess access to mental health services, and identify effective interventions. This serves as the foundation of targeted strategies to address existing challenges in mental health in Africa.

  • ‘Why Nigerian students, others face mental health challenges in Wales’

    ‘Why Nigerian students, others face mental health challenges in Wales’

    Director of a  not-for-profit group BAME Mental Health Support (BMHS), Alfred Oyekoya , has said  Nigerian students in Wales and the broader Black community face substantial mental health challenges compounded by institutional apathy, structural inequalities, racism, fear, stigma, and discrimination.

    He noted that particularly for Nigerians, unfair limitations during settlement in the UK pose significant challenges.

    Oyekoya said  the demand for six months’ payslips for securing accommodation and the requirement of relevant UK experience for minimum-wage jobs and  unnecessary barriers worsen existing problems related to immigration, health, and finances, further impacting their well-being.

    “The harsh reality is that a substantial number of individuals in dire need of mental health care face significant barriers in accessing high-quality health services. This critical situation is compounded by the pervasive stigma associated to mental health, acute shortages in human resources, fragmented service delivery models, and a glaring lack of research capacity needed to drive impactful implementation and policy changes. ‘’

    Read Also: How to avoid mental health issues, by experts

    In this interview with Chinyere Okoroafor, Oyekoya, a British-Nigerian speaks on the mental health challenges among Nigeria students, the black and Asian communities in Wales especially in Swansea.

    The efforts the organisation is putting in place to support victims with mental health, advocacy activities in the community and other issues. Excerpt.     Globally, a significant portion of the world’s population is grappling with various mental health challenges. Therefore, mental health remains a pressing issue in different countries both in the schools, workplace, and family life. Do you feel mental health victims are getting enough treatments in comparison to other ailments? Globally, it is evident that a significant segment of the world’s population grapples with a range of mental health challenges. Unfortunately, the provision of adequate mental health treatments are still very low in comparison to other ailments.

  • How to avoid mental health issues, by experts

    How to avoid mental health issues, by experts

    The Permanent Secretary, Health District IV in the Lagos state Ministry of Health, Dr Abimbola Bowale, yesterday called on residents of Lagos Mainland Local Government and its environs to avoid mental health issues.

    He urged them to quickly seek help at the closest Primary Healthcare Centre when they feel troubled.

    He gave the advice during a sensitisation meeting and engagement with community stakeholders at Yaba Local Council Development Area, Lagos. 

    According to him, mental health issue is very important aspect of total health care and a lot of reasons could be attributed to people having mental health issues.

    “Even the stress of day-to-day living could be part of it. Economic situation could be part of it; stress from anything – traffic gridlock, not meeting financial obligations – all these can put pressure on individuals. The other thing is drug abuse,” he said.

    Read Also; Japa couple crisis: Nigerian kills wife in UK over bills

    Dr Bowale said staff at various Primary Healthcare centres (PHCs) have been trained by the Ministry of Health to be able to identify early signs of mental stress and offer solutions in terms counselling, referral and other intervention that could help resolve them.

    “If you walk into any of our primary healthcare centres, there are individuals that have been trained to counsel, intervene and also refer individuals who have mental issues,” he said.

    He advised Lagosians to take things easy as no condition is permanent.

    Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ebute Meta General Hospital, Dr Juliana Olunuga, said stress is not just about feeling tired, rather it could be caused by many things.

    “The best thing is see your doctor who will diagnose you to know the cause of the stress and be able to advise if it’s rest you need or drugs. You could be referred to other doctors for better treatment,” she said.

    Dr Olunuga cautioned against self-medication, saying “people are even going to spend much more because those drugs you are buying, you don’t know the effect on your body. They might be dangerous and by the time they cause problem for you, you will still end up going to the hospital. So I urge our people to see the doctor first, it’s very key.”

    Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Tolu Ajomale, urged Lagosians to avoid having poor mental health.

    “Things you can do to promote mental health include regular exercise, rest, having someone to talk to, spending quality time away from stressful situation; knowing and understanding yourselves by avoiding things that could trigger your poor mental health and create a right environment,” he said.

    According to him, people should not be tired of seeking for help when stressed.

  • Time to focus on mental health

    Time to focus on mental health

    • Rasheeda Yakubu Usman

    Sir: The upsurge in mental health cases across Nigeria has become a pressing concern in recent years. The term “madness” commonly used in local parlance to describe mental health conditions, reflects a deep-seated stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these issues. This spike in reported cases is indicative of several complex factors intertwined within the socio-cultural, economic, and healthcare landscape of the nation.

    One significant contributor is the lack of awareness and understanding of mental health. Misconceptions prevail, often leading to individuals not seeking professional help due to fear of discrimination or societal ostracization. The persisting stigma attached to mental illness prevents open discussions and hampers access to vital support systems.

    In addition, limited access to mental health services exacerbates the situation. Nigeria, like many other developing nations, faces a shortage of mental health professionals and facilities. This scarcity amplifies the challenges faced by individuals seeking help, leading to untreated or improperly managed conditions.

    Furthermore, socio-economic stressors such as poverty, unemployment, and societal pressures weigh heavily on mental well-being. The adverse impact of these stressors on the mental health of Nigerians cannot be overlooked. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these issues, amplifying anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

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    Addressing this growing crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, awareness campaigns must be intensified to dispel myths and encourage seeking help without fear of judgment. Investment in mental health infrastructure, including more psychiatric facilities and trained professionals, is imperative. Collaborative efforts involving government, healthcare providers, NGOs, and communities are essential to bridge the gap in mental health services.

    Moreover, integrating mental health education into school curricula and workplace programs can foster a culture of understanding and empathy. Creating support networks and helplines for individuals in distress can provide immediate assistance and guidance.

    It is high time governments at all levels recognise mental health as a crucial component of overall well-being. By destigmatizing mental illness, improving accessibility to mental health services, and fostering a supportive environment, the nation can stride towards a healthier, more empathetic society that ensures no one is left behind in their struggle for mental wellness.

    •Rasheeda Yakubu Usman,

     Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • ‘Emotional, mental health determine quality of women’s relationships’

    ‘Emotional, mental health determine quality of women’s relationships’

    Lawyer and relation coach Ruckey Peniel is a woman of many talents and competencies with a strong philanthropic streak. She is the brain behind the global Hope Now conference, which was held in Nigeria for the first time this month. For years, this Switzerland-based Nigerian has crisscrossed the world, taking succour to the downtrodden and empowering relationships through her annual conference.  In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, she speaks on her passion, the conference and more.

    My journey into the world of advocacy

    t has been very satisfying to see people’s lives transformed by a kind deed. Of course, it has its challenges, an example being differentiating between those who are really in need, and impostors.

     What fuels your passion for touching lives

    Love. I have a passion to see others thrive. I am a product of relationships. Whatever I am or have today has been possible because others took me seriously and supported me. I am only giving back from what I have been given. Also, I am driven by the love of God, of my husband and children. I am constantly in awe of God’s love for me.

    Events that made me a development expert and philanthropist

    Although today I’m known as Ruckey Peniel, a lawyer who is also a relationship and marketplace success coach and an ambassador of hope, I have always been a woman who is passionate about the well-being of others. I have always loved to give since I was a child. I am that child that gives the child who has no lunch, my lunch without giving much thought to it. Then I became a single mom in the 90s, and later remarried. You know what they say; the best healers are those who have experienced the pain of stripes. I know what it is to be in a desperate situation and vowed to reach out to the hurting anytime I can.

    Being a woman

    Being a woman means being a healer, a mother, a visionary, solution provider, life giver, and a support system for your family and neighbourhood. It means trusting God for help so you can be a helper indeed for those you are privileged to know and impact.

     My growing up that impacted the woman you became

    I grew up as a military child who eventually went to a military school. I grew up under a disciplinarian dad and mom of blessed memories. My dad treated me exactly how he raised my brothers – strong and independent. He constantly said I was born a leader and gave me a platform to lead. I was an only girl until I was almost 13 years old, so you could say I was somewhat a tomboy. It was fully normal for me to get into fights with my brothers and cousins in a bid to prove to them that I deserved to be in their boy games!

    Hope Now conference: From the world to Nigeria

    Hope Now is a platform where issues facing relationships are discussed in an open, holistic and non-judgmental manner, thereby providing hope and healing for our times.  At Hope Now, we believe you are as successful as your relationships.

    Read Also: ‘How social media can impact negatively on mental health’

    In the last six years, the conference has run in the USA, Switzerland, UK, Germany and India. Lagos edition is the first in Nigeria. I am a Nigerian, so of course I am passionate about the welfare and success of my fellow -Nigerians; hence Hope Now Lagos was brought home to impact Nigeria as well. And we hope to host subsequent ones here. Our goal was to enlighten participants on the pivotal essence of having empowering relationships in life and we are happy Hope Now Lagos successfully achieved it. This year’s edition was special in many senses in that notable Nigerians, like Chief Segun Odegbami, Godwin Dudu-Orumen, Dr. Lanre Olusola, the Catalyst, Mr. Emeka Mba, the former Director General/CEO of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and Sola Adesakin, all joined us to do justice to this important topic. And we are calling on more Nigerians and businesses to partner with us on this journey to reach those in need of our assistance. Vessels of Hope is a non-profit organisation and charity arm of Hope Now TV and conferences.

    My advice on navigating these difficult times and keeping relationships intact

    I would say to Nigerians, particularly womenfolk that self-love is the best love and you are as successful as your relationships. Be mindful of your emotional and mental health which influences the quality of relationships you have. And of course, for regular empowerment for your relationships, connect with me and my team at Hope Now TV on Facebook and other social media platforms.

    Juggling my roles of a lawyer, relationship coach, minister of the gospel and more

    It has not been an easy one. I would say time management, solid family support and a great team are the three factors that enable me to juggle my engagements. I decide the things that deserve my time; my husband and kids are very supportive of my engagements and I am blessed with a good team of men and women who make things happen.

    Beauty to you

    Beauty is not only how one looks but how one thinks. Beauty must begin from within. Beauty is usually aesthetic, it depicts visual pleasantness. However, I believe true beauty is in our ability to empathise, respect and authentically connect with others on our human journey.

     My fashion style

    As I mentioned earlier, I was a tomboy while growing up which was sometimes frustrating to my mum who was a tailor and clothes designer. I eventually woke up one day in 2001 and decided to become stylish to impress my mother. I liked it! I love looking good. Although lawyers are restricted to conservative colours and style on the job, I dress according to the occasion. And these days, especially in the western world, business and corporate lawyers are dressing more stylishly. So are ministers of the gospel! I wear colours and designs that suit my body and mind, again it depends on the occasion.

     What next

    I will soon publish my fifth book. I also have my eyes on new horizons.