By Fortune Abang

A non-governmental organisation, Secure the Future International Initiative (SDF-I), has called for increased investment and multi-sector collaboration to address the severe and persistent underfunding of mental health issues globally.

SDF-I Founder, Dr Saadatu Adamu, made the call at the seventh Annual Mental Health International Conference titled: “Regaining Youth Mental Health in Digital World: Identity, Overload and Connection” in Abuja.

“As we look toward the future, we envision a world where mental health is recognised as a fundamental human right, not a privilege.

“Africa, with its youthful energy and resilient spirit, has a unique opportunity to lead in shaping innovative, inclusive and culturally grounded approaches to mental health care.

“The challenges ahead call for deeper collaborations, stronger partnerships and sustained support.

“We invite governments, institutions, organisations, and individuals to join hands with us to invest in mental health research, policy, education, and community-based solutions that will shape the next generation.

“Together, let us build a future where mental health is not just discussed in conferences, but lived out in homes, workplaces, schools, and societies across Africa and the world.”

She described SDF-I as a movement that is touching lives, shaping conversations and changing narratives across communities, particularly in breaking silence and stigma that often surrounds mental health.

The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, emphasised the need for governments, relevant institutions and individuals to promote the wellbeing of young people to achieve the set goals.

Olawande, represented by Mr Emmanuel Essien, Head of Department, Youth Health Mental and Psychosocial Affairs, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, said that mental health of young people could boost their bright future.

According to him, for today’s youth, the digital space share identity, encourage creativity, offers unprecedented opportunities for learning and connection, but in some cases leads to emotional overload.

“The theme of the conference is a call not only to understand these challenges, but to envision new paths that embrace innovation, empathy and readiness.

“In addressing this issue, we must first ask ourselves, what does youth mental health look like in a world where identity is curated, overload is constant, and connection is increasingly digital?

“To reimagine youth mental health in this world, we must be willing to listen deeply and act boldly,” Olawande said.

Also speaking, Amarachukwu Orakwe, the Vice-President of the African Union Youth Club (AUYC), Nigeria, reiterated leadership was no longer to be seen as confined seat in government, but that of influence on people.

“The challenge is of generational distress; how do we lead with carefulness when the world around us is constantly demanding performance?

“How do we remain grounded in authenticity when the trickle-in rewards appearance instead of depth and how do we protect our mental well-being, when connections still become both need and burden?

“There is no human being that can exist without a head. A human being can exist without a hand. A human being can exist without one ear, even without ears, but without your head, there is no human.

“You owe yourself a great deal to seek out your mental health, as much as you can,” she advised.

The event featured goodwill messages, unveiling of the MinDr.App, paper presentation, breakout sessions on “Building Mental Resilience in a Digital World”, as well as digital wellbeing and self-regulation strategies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza