By Christiana Ekpa
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, alongside the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, and the Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Dr. Alhassan Sule, have emphasized the urgent need to prioritize the mental health and well-being of young people in Nigeria.
They made this known at the 7th Annual International Mental Health Conference organized by Secure D Future International Initiative (SDF) in Abuja, with the theme “Reimagining Youth Mental Health in a Digital World: Identity, Overload, and Connection.”
Speaking at the event, Minister Olawande said the health of young people is an indispensable asset for national development.
“When we say the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, they must first be healthy—physically and mentally—to gain the skills and knowledge needed to lead,” he said.
The Minister highlighted the ministry’s new Youth Health Program, which now includes a dedicated Department for Youth Health, Mental, and Social Affairs — a first in Nigeria’s history.
He praised SDF’s consistent advocacy and the launch of its new Mind Doc App, designed to offer mental health support within and outside Nigeria.
In her remarks, the Founder and Executive Director of SDF, Dr. Sa’adatu Adamu, described the app’s launch as “a major milestone in the mission to secure the mental future of young Nigerians.” She expressed gratitude to partners and stakeholders for their unwavering support in the organization’s journey.
