Yesterday, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s Kwara Team participated in the 55th Annual General and Scientific Meeting of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, where my goodwill message was delivered, highlighting our continued commitment to advancing mental health as a pillar of national development. I commend Professor Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association, for his leadership in convening this important gathering, which comes at a timely juncture as we collectively address the challenges outlined in the theme, “Prioritising Mental Health Needs of Nigerians in a Depressed Economy: An Urgent Call for Integrated, Comprehensive, and Sustainable Interventions.”

At the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, we recognise the pressing need for innovative, equitable, and multidimensional strategies and policy reform to tackle and destigmatise the mental health crisis in Nigeria, having consistently championed the integration of mental health services into general hospital and community psychiatry frameworks to ensure care is accessible, inclusive, and culturally responsive while also leveraging the potential of digital health solutions to overcome barriers related to infrastructure and digital literacy, to extend reach and impact of mental health interventions across diverse populations.

As we move forward, it is imperative to continue building partnerships which foster a strong frontline approach, and take consistent action to ensure access to mental health care is no longer a privilege but a guaranteed right. I thank everyone involved in this meeting for their dedication to advancing solutions that empower individuals, families, and communities to thrive in all aspects of their wellbeing.

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