The Founder of the Nightingale Mental Health Foundation, Ms. Folorunso Olubukola, has renewed her commitment to strengthening mental health awareness and widening access to treatment across Nigeria, especially in Lagos State, where rising cases among youths demand urgent attention.
In a recent interview, she recalled how her advocacy journey began in 1997 after a close friend suffered a severe mental breakdown shortly after marriage. The experience, she said, exposed the country’s poor awareness of mental health and inspired her lifelong mission.
Reflecting on her studies in Leicester, where she focused on men’s mental health and the challenges faced by medical personnel, Ms. Folorunso noted that Nigeria—particularly Lagos—has made progress. However, misconceptions rooted in culture and spirituality still hinder early intervention.
She emphasized WHO’s warning that one in five people will experience a mental health condition, often triggered by crises such as flooding, displacement, conflict, and other emergencies. She called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, health workers, schools, and community groups to protect the most vulnerable.
Through community sensitization and outreach, especially in high-risk areas like Mushin, the foundation continues to complement government efforts in tackling youth substance abuse and encouraging timely treatment.
Ms. Folorunso revealed that plans are underway to establish a new treatment and support centre around Ikeja and its environs to improve access to affordable mental health services on the Lagos Mainland.
Although the foundation could not mark this year’s World Mental Health Day with its usual activities, she assured that a series of advocacy programmes will be held before year-end to keep public engagement alive. She reaffirmed the foundation’s mission to build “a mentally healthy world free from suffering,” urging Nigerians to take mental health seriously and seek help early.
