The Co-Founder/Director AHI, Public Health Physician and Development Entrepreneur, Dr. Uwemedimo Uko Esiet, has emphasised the need to implement the Child’s Rights Act and promotion of children’s mental health.

He said: “Mental health remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with a significant portion of the population grappling with various challenges”.

He made the call  at  28th edition of The Teenage Festival of Life (TFL) organised by  Action Health Incorporated at the Main Auditorium University of Lagos, Akoka.

He spoke on the importance of addressing child’s rights, parents and child relationship, menstrual education  for girls, among others.

Esiet said children should know the various parts of their body and functions.They need educational, life support skills among others to make a better versions of themselves.

The Programme Coordinator, Funso Bukoye, spoke on “Breaking the Silence: Empowering Minds to Promote Positive Mental Health.” ,

He said: ‘’Globally, it is estimated that 1one in seven 10-19 year-olds experience a mental health condition and in Nigeria, one in six young people, aged 15-24, are at risk of a mental issue with the most common issues being mood disorders, substance use disorder, and suicide.”

Earlier, Co-founder and Executive Director Action Health Incorporated, Mrs Nike Esiet,   addressing over 2,000 students from different schools within Lagos and its environs  with a theme ‘ Mental Health: Adolescents and young people taking action, said: ‘’Beyond the impact on health and well-being, mental health challenges have also been associated with severe economic losses due to the high cost of treatment and impaired ability to work, especially among young people.”

In January 2023, The Mental Health Bill 2021 was passed into law. The Act is a significant step forward for mental health in Nigeria as it seeks to promote and protect the lives of people suffering from mental illnesses and eradicate every form of stigmatization and discrimination among them.

According to her, Teenage Festival this year,  gives young people from public secondary schools across Lagos State programmes to contribute to the conversation that seeks to raise awareness and discuss the importance of mental health.

They  use artistic performances such as music, poetry and drama to increase awareness of the need to provide support, reduce stigma, and enhance access to mental health care services.