Follow Us on Google
The Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN) recently held its virtual National Conference, rallying a diverse group of stakeholders under the theme “Research as a Tool for Promoting Future Mental Wellbeing among the Youth.” The event attracted professionals, researchers, students, and representatives from various organizations dedicated to suicide prevention and youth mental health advocacy. Highlighting the value of youth engagement, the conference showcased winning presentations from SURPIN’s 2022 National Research Competition, where secondary and tertiary students shared research on mental health’s role in nation-building. This initiative exemplified SURPIN’s commitment to involving young voices in mental health promotion and suicide prevention efforts.
Dr. Arit Esangbedo, SURPIN President, set the tone in her opening remarks by connecting the conference’s theme to the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s (IASP) 2024-2026 focus on “Changing the Narrative on Suicide Prevention.” Reflecting on SURPIN’s impact since its founding in 2017, she praised the organization’s unwavering dedication to saving lives through advocacy, awareness, and support for those struggling with mental health challenges.
The Chairperson officially inaugurated the event, discussing the significant toll of suicide in Nigeria, where an estimated 7 in every 100,000 people are affected. Emphasizing that suicide is preventable, she highlighted the challenges stigma poses in seeking care and called for collective efforts to remove these barriers and address the factors contributing to mental health struggles.Prominent officials, including Lagos State’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, commended SURPIN’s initiatives and applauded the organization’s leadership for driving positive change. He reinforced Lagos State’s commitment to supporting SURPIN’s mission, noting that research is essential in developing tailored mental health services that address the unique needs of Nigerian communities.
Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Olatubosun Alake, similarly praised SURPIN’s achievements and emphasized the importance of youth involvement in mental health advocacy. By actively engaging young people, he noted, the conference inspired a generation dedicated to fostering a mentally healthy society and contributing to nation-building.Key speakers offered powerful insights, including Prof. Jude Ohaeri, a respected psychiatrist, who presented a thought-provoking lecture on the role of research in combating myths, misinformation, and stigma around mental health. He described research as an essential tool for cultivating scientific curiosity, ethical inquiry, and rigorous standards in mental health work.
Closing the conference, SURPIN Founder Dr. Raphael Ogbolu announced an upcoming strategy meeting aimed at expanding the organization’s approach beyond prevention and intervention to include “postvention” — a model of support for those impacted by suicide. This meeting reflects SURPIN’s dedication to a collaborative, holistic approach in addressing suicide prevention.
SURPIN’s National Conference ended with a call to action, encouraging stakeholders to work together in reducing stigma, improving access to care, and creating a resilient, supportive environment for mental wellness across Nigeria.SURPIN has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting mental health research among youth by committing to fund research projects at one secondary school and one tertiary institution. These awards will be given to the institutions with the highest attendance at the recent conference, encouraging the next generation to contribute to vital research in suicide prevention over the coming year.
At the conference, a set of key recommendations was shared, underscoring that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility and remains a critical health issue both globally and nationally. SURPIN continues to lead as the country’s most structured organization dedicated to suicide prevention, and its life-saving hotlines are a testament to the organization’s impact.The recommendations also highlighted the untapped potential of young people in mental health research, stressing that early involvement in research can yield innovative insights. Furthermore, the conference noted a need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, both within the country and across regions, to address suicide more effectively. Improved cooperation among sectors, enhanced sharing of knowledge, and a review of existing school mental health programs were cited as essential steps in strengthening prevention efforts. With the current brain-drain, there is also an opportunity to leverage the expertise of mental health professionals in the diaspora through virtual collaboration.
To operationalize these recommendations, SURPIN will soon host a stakeholder meeting to develop a more coordinated suicide prevention strategy. This meeting aims to drive forward intelligence-sharing, expand multi-sector collaboration, and strengthen the nation’s overall mental health infrastructure.
SURPIN extends its sincere gratitude to all participants and organizations for their contributions to this conference, marking a collective step forward in building a robust response to suicide prevention.
…
