Newz…..As Vanguard summit holds today By Sola Ogundipe Nigeria’s response to the mental health challenges facing its young people comes under fresh scrutiny today as policymakers, psychiatrists, health professionals, security and correctional authorities, regulators, media and other stakeholders converge in Lagos for the 4th Vanguard Mental Health Summit holding at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The summit, organised by Vanguard Media Limited, comes against growing concerns over depression, suicide, substance abuse, anxiety, trauma, social isolation and the mounting psychological pressures confronting young Nigerians online and offline. With the theme, “Advancing Youth Mental Health in Nigeria through Access, Action and Advocacy,” and sub-theme, “Mental Health in a Digital Age: Navigating Social Media, Technology and Wellbeing,” the gathering is expected to move the conversation beyond awareness and confront the more difficult issues of access to care, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and accountability.
At the centre of the discussion is the question of what happens when a young Nigerian needs mental healthcare but cannot find, afford or access it. Beyond the expert presentations, the summit is expected to confront the gap between Nigeria’s mental health policies and the experience of young people who actually need care. Chief Host of the summit is Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof.
Akin Abayomi, while the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig. Buba Marwa (rtd.) are Special G inuests of Honour.
The forum will be chaired by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, and the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr Daramola George are special guests.
Other stakeholders that will feature are President of the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria, Dr. Veronica Oluyemisi Nyamali; Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, Professor of Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Prof. Mashudat Bello-Mojeed, Professor of Psychiatry and Public Health, as well as senior officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, mental…
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