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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for greater involvement of people with lived experience of mental health conditions in shaping policies, healthcare services and decisions affecting their lives.
Tinubu, who made the call in a message commemorating the 2026 World Mental Health Day on Saturday, said the contributions of people living with mental health conditions must go beyond sharing their personal experiences to influencing decisions that affect them.
The day is being observed under the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
The First Lady said the knowledge and perspectives of people with lived experience of mental health conditions were invaluable and should be recognised in efforts to improve mental healthcare.
According to her, communities must do more to listen to their experiences, challenge stigma and promote accessible, community-based mental health services.
She stressed that mental healthcare should respect the dignity, rights and needs of every individual.
“Today, on World Mental Health Day 2026, observed under the theme, ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,’ we recognise the invaluable knowledge and perspectives of people with lived experience of mental health conditions,” she said.
She added that their participation “must extend beyond sharing personal stories to meaningfully influence the policies, services, and decisions that affect their lives.”
The First Lady also urged communities to listen more to people living with mental health conditions and work towards eliminating stigma while supporting access to care.
World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage efforts to improve support and access to mental healthcare.
