Foundation empowers Abuja students, teachers on mental health awareness
- The Rosemary Ihuoma Okereke (RIO) Foundation commemorated World Mental Health Day 2025 in Abuja, reaching over 90 students and 10 teachers with lessons on emotional well-being and resilience
- Key sessions focused on early intervention, mindfulness, and the role of nutrition in mental health, led by experts including Dr. Jimoh Akeem and Mercy Oguche
- Students and teachers pledged to prioritise mental health and foster a supportive school environment, with the Foundation highlighting its commitment to promoting mental wellness in schools
Concerned about the rising mental health challenges among young people, the Rosemary Ihuoma Okereke (RIO) Foundation commemorated World Mental Health Day 2025 on Friday, October 10, with a school-based sensitisation programme at Government Junior Secondary School, FHA Lugbe, Abuja.
The initiative reached over 90 students and 10 teachers with practical lessons on emotional well-being and resilience.
Source: Twitter
Themed “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” the event featured keynote presentations, mindfulness exercises, and a panel discussion led by mental health and wellness professionals.
Keynote speaker stresses need for early intervention
Dr. Jimoh Akeem, MBChB, FWACP (Psych), from the Department of Psychiatry, National Hospital Abuja, delivered a keynote address on “Mental Health Challenges in Emergencies.” He highlighted the growing need for accessible mental health services in schools and communities, especially during crises.
“Early intervention is crucial for young people. Schools must provide support structures that can address mental health challenges before they escalate,” Dr. Akeem said.
Interactive sessions teach mindfulness and resilience
Mercy Oguche, a Psychologist and Senior Programmes Coordinator with LEAP Africa, led an interactive session on mindfulness and the Commitment Wall.
She guided students and teachers through breathing and reflection exercises, after which participants made personal pledges to prioritise their mental health and support one another in times of stress.
Nutrition’s role in mental health highlighted
During the panel discussion, Clinical Nutritionist Doherty Sharon Ifeoluwa spoke on “The Relationship Between Nutrition and Mental Health.” She emphasised how healthy eating habits, hydration, and balanced diets contribute to emotional stability and focus among young learners.
Foundation reiterates commitment to mental health education
Ojima Jerry Momoh, Project Lead of RIO Foundation, explained the purpose of the initiative, emphasising the Foundation’s dedication to promoting mental health education in schools. He also thanked the Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Ihuoma Okereke, for her visionary leadership.
“Through education and well-being initiatives, we aim to build resilient communities that can face mental health challenges with knowledge and confidence,” Momoh said.
School expresses gratitude for timely intervention
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Onah G., the School Guidance and Counselling Officer, thanked the Foundation for the programme. She urged other organisations to emulate RIO Foundation’s example in promoting mental wellness among students and teachers.
The Foundation also expressed appreciation to the National Hospital Abuja and the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) Abuja for their technical and institutional support, which contributed to the success of the event.
The sensitisation programme concluded with students and teachers pledging to prioritise mental health and foster a supportive school environment, signalling a strengthened commitment to emotional well-being across the school community.
Source: Legit.ng
