By Chioma Obinna
In a proactive move to enhance mental health awareness and confront the escalating suicide rates in Nigeria, Vanguard Newspapers is preparing to host the third installment of its Mental Health Summit.
Since its inception in August 2021, the Mental Health Summit has been recognized as a pioneering platform in Nigeria. The upcoming event is slated for October 17, 2025, at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Under the central theme “Taming the Rising Tide of Suicide in Nigeria” and the focused sub-theme “Substance and Silence: Unmasking the Dual Crisis of Addiction and Suicide,” the summit seeks to intensify national dialogue on suicide prevention and champion the decriminalization of attempted suicide.
Endorsed by the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria (APN) alongside other prominent organizations, the summit advocates for the Suicide Prevention Bill, which aims to eliminate criminal sanctions against individuals who survive suicide attempts-marking a crucial reform in Nigeria’s mental health legislation.
Leading the summit as chairperson is Dr. Kingsley Akinroye, a distinguished cardiologist and Executive Director of the Nigeria Heart Foundation (NHF).
The event will feature Professor Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, as the Special Guest of Honour. The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, a Psychiatry expert and Continental Representative for Lifeline International.
Among the esteemed speakers is Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who will explore the sub-theme “Substance and Silence: Unmasking the Dual Crisis of Addiction and Suicide.”
Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), will present on “Building Trust: How Strong Regulation Improves Access to Mental Health Treatment.”
Highlighting the legislative perspective, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong from Cross River South Senatorial District will emphasize the critical role of the Suicide Prevention Bill, describing it as essential “lifeline legislation” with the potential to save numerous lives.
Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, will share valuable insights from his frontline experience in “Managing Attempted Suicide: Lessons from Yaba Neuropsychiatric Hospital.” Additionally, Ms. Titi Tade, Director and Head of Medical Social Services at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), will address the topic “How Are You?”
The summit will also feature Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, discussing youth engagement in mental health programs. Professor Taiwo Obindo, President of APN, will focus on “Strengthening Nigeria’s Mental Health Act: From Policy to Implementation.”
Other notable contributors include Dr. Agatha Nkiru David, Director of Research and Consultant Paediatrician at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), who will discuss “Living Positively: Mental Health as a Key to HIV Treatment Adherence and Quality of Life.”
Ms. Deborah Omage, Program Associate at the Nigeria Mental Health Association, will explore the challenges of “Mental Health in the Face of Economic Hardship, Insecurity and Climate Change.”
The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Veronica Nyamali, will feature panelists such as Mr. Sam Eferaro, publisher of Nigeria Health Online and former Health Editor at Vanguard.
Representatives from the Nigerian Medical Association, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and Lagos State Ministry of Health are also expected to participate.
A moving segment of the summit will be dedicated to mental health survivors who will share their personal journeys, offering inspiration and shedding light on the realities of living with mental health conditions.