Lions District 404B5 Nigeria, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, organized a Mental Health and Well-Being Awareness Programme at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, to promote mental health awareness, encourage open conversations and strengthen community support for people living with mental health challenges.
The programme, themed “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” emphasized the importance of listening to individuals with lived experiences, challenging stigma and fostering a society where mental health concerns could be discussed openly and compassionately.
As part of the initiative, the district organized an awareness walk around the hospital under the slogan, “Walk With Us; Raise Awareness, Save Lives.” The walk demonstrated Lions’ commitment to community service and highlighted the need for collective efforts to promote mental and emotional well-being.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to supporting the host institution, District 404B5 also donated a water tank to the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba. The donation formed part of the district’s humanitarian intervention, reflecting Lions’ recognition that service to healthcare institutions extended beyond advocacy to providing practical support that could contribute to their operational needs.
The water tank was received on behalf of the hospital by a Consultant Psychiatrist, whose acceptance of the donation underscored the value of partnerships between service organizations and healthcare institutions in improving the well-being of patients and supporting the delivery of care.
The programme brought together Lions leaders, mental health professionals, advocates and other stakeholders united by the call for greater understanding of mental health concerns and improved access to appropriate care.
Among those featured were Lion Phina Origho PMJF NLCF, District Governor; Lion Nasir Ekundayo NLCF, District Chairperson, Mental Health and Well-Being Programme; Dr. Yetunde Yemisi Animola, Consultant Psychiatrist; Lion Dr. Musbau Olatunji Nasir, President, GEC World Veterinary Association and Lion Seyi Akinade MJF NLCF, First Vice District Governor.
Also lending her voice to the campaign was actress Bimpe Akintunde, popularly known as Wasilla Coded. Her participation brought additional public visibility to the initiative and reinforced the importance of engaging influential voices in promoting empathy, understanding and support for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR CALLS FOR COMPASSION AND COLLECTIVE ACTION
In her message, Lion Phina Origho PMJF NLCF, District Governor, emphasized that mental health awareness was a collective responsibility. She encouraged members of the public to treat people experiencing mental health challenges with compassion rather than judgement and called for greater community participation in initiatives promoting psychological well-being.
She noted that service to humanity went beyond meeting physical needs to include emotional and mental wellness. She also urged Lions to use their platforms to educate the public, challenge misconceptions and build inclusive communities where people could seek help without fear of discrimination.
DISTRICT CHAIRPERSON REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY
Lion Nasir Ekundayo NLCF, District Chairperson of the Mental Health and Well-Being Programme, stressed the need to create safe and supportive environments where individuals could share their experiences without fear of rejection or stigma.
The Chairperson highlighted the importance of listening to people with lived experiences as a pathway to understanding their challenges and developing more compassionate responses. Sustained public education, early help-seeking and collaboration among healthcare professionals, community leaders and advocates were also underscored as essential components of effective mental health advocacy.
MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT TAKE CENTRE STAGE
Dr. Yetunde Yemisi Animola, Consultant Psychiatrist, featured among the mental health professionals contributing to the programme’s advocacy objectives. Her professional perspective formed part of the broader call for informed mental health education and appropriate support for individuals experiencing psychological difficulties.
The programme reinforced the message that effective mental health advocacy required more than raising awareness. It demanded a willingness to listen, respect personal experiences, recognize warning signs and encourage people to seek professional assistance when necessary.
Participants were reminded that mental health challenges should never be treated as a source of shame and that everyone affected deserved dignity, understanding and access to appropriate care.
A CALL TO ACTION
Through the awareness programme, advocacy walk and donation of a water tank, Lions District 404B5 Nigeria demonstrated a multifaceted approach to humanitarian service, combining public education with practical support for a healthcare institution. The activities encouraged individuals, families and communities to replace stigma with understanding, silence with meaningful conversations and indifference with compassionate action.
The District Governor’s theme, “Behold the Power of Service,” reflected its broader commitment to improving lives through purposeful interventions. By bringing together Lions leaders, healthcare professionals and public advocates, the initiative reinforced the importance of sustained mental health education and partnerships that respond to community needs.
The programme concluded with a renewed call for individuals, families, organizations and communities to listen, speak up and work together towards a society where mental health and well-being received the attention, respect and support they deserved.
