As a result of the enormous neglect on issues bothering on mental and physical health as well as sexual abuse of different sorts, we have continued to experience a dramatic rise in these cases. The negative effects that the advancement of technology has on our world today are far-reaching. We have been experiencing a massive drop in the level of attention given to basic human needs and interactions and consequently, the younger generation suffers mental deprivations and various disorders.

Indeed, it is very disheartening to see how misinformed we are about issues concerning mental health. According to a recent report made by Sahara Reporters, 30% of Nigerians suffer from mental disorders with different presentations which are generally characterized by a combination of abnormal thoughts, outrageous perceptions, disorderly emotions, awkward behaviour and traumatized interactions with one another.

Mental health to an average Nigerian is best described and limited to “madness” caused by some spiritual influence or misdeed of a person. So, the struggle with depression, anxiety caused by inferiority complex, meeting up with unreasonable competitive standards, the battle with and the effects of mind bullying as well as physical abuses and the brokenness emanating from being sexually assaulted are all regarded as a show of weakness or evil spells.

Research has shown that 7 out of 10 Nigerian girls are molested or sexually abused before the age of 15; 1 in 8 boys would have experienced at least one violent sexual encounter before the age of 18. And sadly, 61% of the affected boys do not know where to seek help or are even too afraid to do so.  The findings of the 2014 Nigeria Violence against Children Survey, conducted by the National Population Commission with the support of the United States Centre for Disease Control, and UNICEF showed a high prevalence of violence against children in all the states of Nigeria. Approximately 6 out of 10 Children experience some form of violence and 50% of all the children in Nigeria experienced physical violence.

It was also noted that 1 in 6 girls and 1 in 5 boys experienced emotional violence by a parent, caregiver or adult relative.
Having a first-hand experience of all that we unequivocally mentioned above – and as a young adult representing a larger population of people with similar concerns – we have in recent times taken it upon ourselves to unceasingly advance and advocate for Mental and Physical Health Awareness. This is very significant in the sense that these concerns are highly underrated in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan African region.

As a trained Lawyer, Motivational Speaker and Health Enthusiast, I constantly engage our team in search of answers to prevailing issues of mental and physical health in our nation and beyond. This has driven me to research, learn, expand and make the best use of opportunities created to further the cause of behavioural and physical health for our young people.

This illustration has navigated right into my heart.

Immensely magnificent icons!