NESG Academy Launches One Community at a Time Mental Well-being Initiative

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Academy has launched its Civic Engagement for Mental Well-being Initiative – One Community at a Time. This initiative is a transformative program designed to raise awareness, educate, and provide support for mental health in schools and underserved communities across Nigeria.

With 40–60 million Nigerians experiencing mental health challenges, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the need for advocacy, education, and community-driven solutions has never been more urgent. This initiative seeks to break the stigma, build resilience, and promote mental well-being, particularly among young people and vulnerable populations.

In many Nigerian communities, mental health issues are widely misunderstood, often attributed to spiritual causes rather than medical conditions. This misconception fuels stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion, preventing individuals from seeking necessary care. Beyond stigma, Nigeria’s mental health sector faces significant structural challenges, including: Brain drain, Inadequate infrastructure, Low public awareness and Limited research and funding.

According to Gbemi Ibrahim, Head of Workforce Management and NESG Academy, this initiative is both timely and essential for national development. She stated: “At NESG Academy, we believe mental wellness is fundamental to societal progress. Through ‘One Community at a Time,’ we are leveraging civic education to promote mental health awareness, resilience-building, and community engagement. By fostering open conversations and equipping individuals with the right knowledge, we aim to create a more inclusive and mentally resilient society.”

With approval from the Lagos State Government Education District III, the Civic Education for Mental Health Awareness program will be implemented in Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, and Lagos Island LGAs, with expansion plans to other communities throughout the year. Gbemi expounded that “Our mission is to build a society where individuals understand their role in promoting mental well-being—not just for themselves, but for their communities as a whole. Through civic education and collective action, we can drive meaningful change and strengthen mental health advocacy, one community at a time”.

The initiative’s pilot phase will engage students and community members through: Mental health awareness workshops to challenge stigma and misconceptions, resilience-building programs to equip individuals with coping strategies and civic education sessions to empower young people as mental health advocates. By promoting awareness, education, and support, NESG Academy is paving the way for a society that prioritizes mental well-being as a collective responsibility.