Lagos Intensifies Mental Health Campaign as Experts Push Integrated Healthcare, Education System

By Ifeoma Ikem 

The Lagos State Ministry of Health has reiterated the need for a stronger connection between healthcare, education, and emotional well-being as part of efforts to tackle growing mental health challenges and youth drug abuse in the state.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated this during the maiden edition of the Integrated Wellness and Education Conference held in Lagos.

The conference, which took place at Ikeja GRA, brought together health professionals, educators, students, and policy advocates to discuss the future of healthcare delivery, mental wellness, and youth development in Nigeria.

According to Abayomi, healthcare, education, and mental well-being are interconnected areas that must be addressed collectively in order to build a healthier society.

The commissioner, who was represented by Atewologun Titofunmi, a Mental Health Officer and Technical Support Adviser, explained that the state government is actively tackling mental health issues through its Mental Health Programme Lagos, popularly known as the MiND initiative.

He noted that mental health concerns have long been neglected due to social stigma and excessive focus on physical health, stressing that authorities are now working to change public perception and encourage open conversations around emotional well-being.

“Everything works hand in hand. We need to address mental health issues because historically, attention has focused mainly on physical health due to the stigma surrounding mental illness,” he said.

Abayomi disclosed that the state currently operates several wellness initiatives aimed at providing psychosocial support for public servants dealing with workplace stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

He further explained that the Ministry of Health runs dedicated 24-hour counseling support services free of charge for residents requiring emotional and psychological assistance.

Speaking on youth development, the commissioner expressed concern over the rising rate of drug abuse among young people, warning that substance abuse has become a major threat to mental health and social stability.

According to him, the state government is developing policies and awareness campaigns under the MiND initiative that will take anti-drug abuse advocacy directly into communities in order to educate youths on the dangers of substance abuse.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. Lere Baale emphasized the importance of mentorship, counseling, and quality education in helping young people make responsible life choices.

Baale said young people possess unique talents and abilities that can positively transform society if properly guided and supported through the right educational and career opportunities.

“We must teach our children the right things. God has shaped them to change the world despite the challenges they face,” he stated.

The pharmacy expert added that the decisions young people make at critical stages of life often determine their future, stressing the need for mentorship and career counseling to help them navigate educational and professional pathways successfully.

He maintained that Africa, particularly Nigeria, still holds enormous opportunities for growth and innovation despite its current challenges, adding that quality education remains the key to unlocking the continent’s potential.

“There is no place like home. The problems in Africa, especially Nigeria, are also opportunities. What we need is quality education to excel,” he added.

On his part, Dr. Samuel Kayode explained that the conference was designed to bridge knowledge gaps within the healthcare system and inspire young people to pursue careers in medicine and related professions.

According to him, many youths lack adequate understanding of opportunities within the healthcare sector, making it necessary to expose them to the realities, challenges, and rewards associated with medical professions.

Kayode noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed serious shortages in healthcare manpower globally and revealed the vulnerability of health systems during emergencies.

He observed that Nigeria’s healthcare workforce crisis has worsened due to the migration of trained professionals abroad, leaving the country with inadequate personnel to cater to its rapidly growing population.

“Globally, the goal is to produce more healthcare personnel, but in Nigeria the situation has become more critical because many professionals are leaving the country,” he said.

The conference also highlighted the importance of workplace flexibility, continuous learning, and career development in retaining healthcare professionals and improving productivity within organizations.

Participants stressed that flexible work schedules, remote work options, and supportive work environments are essential in helping workers balance personal responsibilities with professional demands.

The event featured participation from Jawa Group Nigeria and six secondary schools from across Lagos metropolis, with students engaging in debates and educational activities focused on healthcare, wellness, and career development.

MC DAY – The Global Voice: A Cultural Influencer, Global Host, and Purpose-Driven Creative Redefining Entertainment Worldwide

Olumide Samson Olagoke professionally known as MC DAY – The Global Voice, is a multi-dimensional creative personality whose influence extends beyond the microphone into media, culture, tourism, branding, and global entertainment.

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As a content creator, brand influencer, and creative entrepreneur, MC DAY uses the power of social media, storytelling, and audience engagement to help brands grow, connect, and remain culturally relevant. Through strategic content creation, digital promotion, online campaigns, and paid media management, he has helped businesses and lifestyle brands build visibility, engagement, and stronger audience relationships.

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With a growing international presence and a vision rooted in excellence, MC DAY continues to evolve as one of Africa’s dynamic creative voices — blending entertainment, influence, culture, business, media, and storytelling into one powerful brand.

About MC DAY

MC DAY – The Global Voice is an award-winning Master of Ceremonies, content creator, cultural influencer, brand strategist, and creative entrepreneur known for delivering world-class entertainment and audience engagement. Passionate about African culture, tourism, lifestyle, media growth, and meaningful impact, he continues to inspire audiences and help brands grow globally through creativity, professionalism, faith, and purpose-driven influence.

I could be reached on..

[email protected]

Mcdaysamson [All platforms?

Buratai Highlights Leadership, Community Support In Defeating Insurgency As Shettima, Defence Chiefs Rally Support For Counterterrorism Documentation At Book Launch

Prominent Nigerians including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, senior military officers, and political leaders on Thursday underscored the importance of documentation, collective national responsibility, and sustained military professionalism in the fight against terrorism during the unveiling of a new book titled “Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in North East Nigeria (Volumes 1 & 2)” authored by retired Major-General Ibrahim Yusuf.

Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, described the publication as a timely and strategic contribution to Nigeria’s national security discourse.

According to him, Nigeria’s experience with terrorism and insurgency in the North-East reflects not a nation defeated by insecurity, but the resilience and courage of citizens and security forces defending the country’s shared destiny.

He noted that the conflict in the North-East remained a deep human tragedy affecting communities with rich historical and cultural heritage, stressing that terrorism requires sustained vigilance, intelligence gathering, diplomacy, technology, and strong civil-military cooperation.

The Vice President further commended the author for documenting operational experiences and strategic lessons from the theatre of operations, saying such insights would prove invaluable to policymakers, scholars, and future military leaders.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthening the operational readiness, welfare, and dignity of members of the Armed Forces.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, praised the author as a respected mentor whose professionalism and leadership continued to inspire younger officers even after retirement.

“The lion may be retired, but he is certainly not tired,” he remarked.

Musa described the insurgency in the North-East as one of Nigeria’s most complex security challenges, noting that the asymmetric nature of the conflict means it cannot be won by military force alone.

According to him, victory against terrorism depends on collective national responsibility involving the Armed Forces, civil authorities, and citizens working together to deny insurgents support and legitimacy.

He also urged serving military officers to study the publication carefully, noting that it contains valuable operational lessons from years of counterinsurgency operations.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, described the two-volume publication as a major intellectual contribution bridging theory and practice in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

Oluyede commended the author for preserving decades of operational knowledge gained from commanding the 21 Brigade, 7 Division, and the Multinational Joint Task Force.

He stressed that modern security threats demand continuous learning, adaptation, and proper documentation of operational experiences, adding that the publication would serve as a useful resource for military practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, also applauded the author for documenting operational experiences from the counterinsurgency campaign in the North-East.

Buratai stated that operational success in counterinsurgency warfare depends largely on the quality of commanders in the field and the ability of military leaders to adapt to complex realities.

He recalled the significance of operations such as Deep Punch I and Deep Punch II, as well as the critical role played by the Nigerian Air Force in degrading terrorist capabilities between 2015 and 2017.

According to him, resilient leadership and community support remain crucial elements in defeating insurgency.

Earlier, retired Major-General Ibrahim Yusuf said the publication represented the fulfilment of an eight-year intellectual ambition aimed at contributing to military scholarship and national security discourse.

He explained that the book was inspired by a desire to provide younger military officers and policymakers with first-hand insights into the successes and challenges of counterterrorism operations in Nigeria.

The retired general added that the publication drew from over a decade of operational experience in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin while deliberately avoiding sensitive information capable of compromising ongoing operations.

He also urged retired military officers to document their operational experiences for future generations, stressing that such efforts are essential for institutional memory and national development.

Reviewing the publication, renowned scholar Eghosa Osaghae described the work as a landmark contribution to military scholarship.

Osaghae noted that the two volumes combine academic depth with practical operational experience, offering insights into intelligence-led operations, joint force coordination, psychological warfare, and post-conflict management.

He added that the publication effectively situates Nigeria’s counterinsurgency experience within the broader realities of modern asymmetric warfare and evolving global security threats.

The event attracted senior serving and retired military officers, heads of security agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, and policymakers from across the country.