Abuja, Nigeria: Marking the World Mental Health Day 2025, First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace empathy and connection, especially during times of crisis.
Speaking on the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” she urged the nation to break the silence around mental health and create safe spaces for open dialogue.
Mrs Tinubu said the theme reminded all to reach out and genuinely connect with people, particularly during times of distress, while advocating for the mental well-being of those affected.
She noted that mental health continued to be under-prioritised in emergency responses globally, leaving many people unsupported in the aftermath of trauma, loss, and disaster situations.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to break the silence around mental health, adding that creating safe spaces for open conversations was crucial for healing and building stronger, more empathetic communities.
“We must bridge this urgent gap and build environments where people feel safe to discuss anxiety, depression, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), without fear of judgment, shame, or discrimination,” she said.
She also called for greater focus on vulnerable groups, including children, women, displaced persons, and those affected by violence or disaster, who often suffer silently due to a lack of support.
“Let us turn our attention to these unseen burdens and ensure that mental health support becomes a guaranteed right for all, especially the most vulnerable,” Mrs Tinubu added.