By Victoria Ojugbana
Copyright independent
The Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative of Nigeria (SURPIN) is set to hold its annual national conference with a strong focus on young Nigerians, making them central to the dialogue on suicide prevention and mental health.
The 2025 edition, scheduled for Saturday, September 27, will be hosted virtually and will feature students from both secondary and tertiary institutions as panelists, marking a significant departure from previous formats.
The event follows the global observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, marked on September 10 each year. Staying with its tradition of hosting its gathering days later, SURPIN has chosen the theme: “Building Mental Resilience Amidst Socio-Economic Challenges in Nigeria,” to reflect the pressing realities facing the nation’s youth.
In her welcome remarks during a pre-conference briefing, SURPIN President and Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Arit Esangbedo, explained the reason behind this year’s youth-centered approach. “We decided to give secondary school students and undergraduates the opportunity to be panelists and talk about the theme. Participants will cut across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to share their experiences and discuss resilience in the face of social and economic challenges,” she said.
Esangbedo emphasized that young people are not only the largest demographic group in Nigeria but also among the most vulnerable to unemployment, financial strain, and mental health issues. “It is important that we listen directly to their lived experiences,” she added, underscoring the need for authentic youth voices in shaping mental health advocacy.
Echoing her views, Dr. Raphael Ogbolu, SURPIN’s Founder, highlighted the organization’s consistent commitment to youth engagement. “Since inception, the majority of callers to our crisis hotlines have been young people. Considering Nigeria’s youthful population, and that many are in the productive prime of their lives, socio-economic challenges will significantly impact them. It is important we engage young people early to create mental health awareness,” he explained.
Ogbolu further noted that while past conferences featured debates, drama, and creative awareness campaigns, this year stands out because young people will not only participate but also lead.
“We want them to tell us directly what they are going through, how they are coping, and the solutions they believe can work,” he said.
Special guests expected include former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who is the guest of honour, and Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker.
The conference will be chaired by Dr. Coker.
By placing young Nigerians at the heart of the conversation, SURPIN aims to inspire resilience, expand awareness, and chart a new path in suicide prevention across the country.
