According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability, with an estimated 25 million Nigerians affected.
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Studies indicate that persons with disabilities are three times more likely to experience mental health challenges compared to the general population, with anxiety and depression being particularly prevalent.

In response to these stark statistics, the Foundation for Social Innovation (FSI) organized a virtual mental health awareness programme specifically tailored for persons with disabilities (PWDs) on October 26, 2024. The event, themed “Breaking Barriers: Mental Health Awareness for Persons with Disabilities,” brought together stakeholders to address the unique mental health challenges faced by the disability community.

The virtual gathering, which commenced at 11 AM, was moderated by Program Manager Omolara Daniel and featured expert insights from Jesulademi Lucinda, a distinguished psychologist and life coach. The programme aligned with the 2024 World Mental Health Day theme, which emphasizes mental health as a universal human right.
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FSI Founder Ezenwa Okoro highlighted the organization’s commitment to innovative solutions for marginalized communities. “Foundation for Social Innovation is a high-impact grassroots organization that uses creative tools and innovative resources to empower the vulnerable and marginalized segment of the society,” Okoro stated. He emphasized that the programme was “a strategic response to providing PWDs with the right knowledge, information and tools to navigate through their everyday lives, the stress and complexities that comes with living in a challenging environment such as present day Nigeria.”

The session addressed critical issues affecting the mental well-being of persons with disabilities, including discrimination, societal stigma, and negative self-perception. Participants engaged in discussions about how side talks and demeaning comments contribute to mental health challenges within the disability community.

Looking ahead, Okoro revealed ambitious plans for the foundation: “We are poised to roll out several empowerment initiatives focusing on not only mental health, but also includes entrepreneurship, advocacy, medical and educational outreaches.” This comprehensive approach aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
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The virtual format of the event ensured accessibility, with provisions made for sign language interpretation to accommodate diverse participants. The interactive session included a Q&A segment where participants shared their experiences and received practical guidance on maintaining mental well-being.

This initiative marks a significant step toward recognizing and addressing the intersection of disability and mental health in Nigeria. As mental health awareness continues to grow globally, programmes like this help ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the conversation about mental well-being and access to support services.
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