) The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental health awareness, emotional well-being and supportive communities through sustained people-centred interventions.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Cecilia Dada, said mental health remained essential to overall well-being and urged residents to seek support without fear or stigma.
Dada, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, spoke at a Mental Health Awareness Programme themed, “More Good Days Together: Restoring Peace, Reclaiming Joy”.
According to a statement issued by the ministry on Wednesday, the event took place on Tuesday at Ikeja.
She said the programme provided a safe space for honest conversations, practical learning and awareness to encourage emotional resilience and help-seeking among residents.
Dada reaffirmed Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment, through the THEMES plus Agenda, to strengthening families, expanding healthcare access, empowering women and supporting vulnerable residents.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that THEMES stands for: Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos 21st century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, Security and Governance.
She highlighted counselling, psychosocial support through the Domestic Violence Unit, and economic empowerment programmes aimed at improving emotional well-being, financial independence and personal safety.
The commissioner linked many emotional and mental health challenges to the home, urging participants to promote healthier relationships in families, workplaces, schools and communities.
Director of the Domestic Violence Unit, Mrs Abiola Osifowokan, thanked Gov. Sanwo-Olu, the commissioner, permanent secretary, facilitators, participants, media and organisers for supporting the initiative.
Osifowokan urged participants to sustain conversations on mental health by fostering peaceful homes, supporting one another and encouraging professional help for emotional challenges without stigma.
The programme featured an interactive presentation by Mrs Damilola Odukoya on mental health, trauma, grief, resilience, self-care, stigma and community support.
Participants shared experiences, asked questions and expressed renewed commitment to prioritising emotional well-being in their families, workplaces and communities.
The ministry said the programme formed part of its ongoing efforts to promote emotional wellness, strengthen family values and build resilient communities across Lagos State.(NAN)
