Conference Objective
The conference is conceived as a national platform to mobilize key stakeholders, amplify lived experiences, explore culturally relevant and evidence-based interventions, and drive transformative policies and sustainable investments in mental health in Nigeria. It will complement ongoing government and partner efforts, including the integration of mental health into primary healthcare delivery.
Meet Our Conference Team
Dr. Theddeus Iheanacho
Conference Facilitator
Theddeus (Ted) Iheanacho MD (MBBS), DTM, completed medical school in Nigeria, postgraduate psychiatric training in Dublin, Ireland and New York, USA, as well as Addiction Fellowship training at Yale University.
Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka
Conference Facilitator
Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania and a Fellow of the Philadelphia College of Physicians. He trained at Yale, University, Columbia University, and the New York University.
Dr. Ojo Tunde Masseyferguson
National Coordinator, Nigeria Mental Health Programme
Dr. Ojo Tunde MasseyFerguson is a consultant psychiatrist and a Global Mental Health expert with over a decade of cognate experience in design and implementation of mental health programmes in resource-constrained settings.
Mrs. Ify Ezinwa
Founder/CEO, Echoes Africa Initiatives
Ify Ezinwa is the Founder and CEO of Echoes Africa Initiatives, a New York based Not-for-Profit Organization dedicated to advancing social justice, promoting mental wellness in underserved communities, and creating powerful platforms where marginalized voices can be heard and their stories honored.
CONFERENCE GOALS
01
Strengthen Policy Awareness and Implementation
Promote a clear understanding of Nigeria’s National Mental Health Policy and mobilize cross-sector stakeholders to address gaps in implementation, financing, and access to care.
02
Address the Root Causes and Impact of Trauma
Examine the sociocultural drivers of gender-based violence and develop actionable strategies for prevention, early intervention, and trauma-informed care that supports survivors across generations.
03
Leverage Community and Institutional Partnerships
Strengthen the role of schools, workplaces, faith institutions, the legal system, and the military as critical entry points and partners in mental health awareness, prevention, and treatment.
04
Promote Multisector Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Foster partnerships among government agencies, NGOs, private sector actors, and community leaders to create a unified, sustainable response to mental health and GBV challenges.
05
Inspire Action Through Arts and Culture
Utilize storytelling, stage performances, and music to humanize mental health and GBV experiences, deepen public engagement, and reinforce the urgency of collective action.
06
Advance GBV Prevention and Survivor Support
Explore the psychological effects of systemic violence, including insurgency, kidnapping, economic instability, and substance use, while highlighting their long-term impact on individuals, families, and society.
07
Expand Access to Mental Health Services
Identify and promote scalable, culturally competent approaches to mental health care, including clinical, community-based, and indigenous healing pathways, while addressing stigma and structural barriers.
08
Build Capacity Through Targeted Engagement
Equip key groups, healthcare providers, social workers, faith leaders, youth, men and boys, and women and girls, with practical tools and knowledge through specialized workshops and dialogue sessions.
09
Reduce Stigma and Shift Cultural Narratives
Encourage open conversations that normalize mental health care, challenge harmful norms around GBV, and promote empathy, healing, and collective responsibility.
10
Prioritize Vulnerable and Underserved Populations
Focus on the unique mental health needs of youth, women (including maternal mental health), displaced persons, survivors of conflict, and those affected by substance use and suicide risk.
