Turning Pain Into Purpose: Uduak Ukpong’s Mission to Heal Grief’s Silent Wounds

Oluchi Chibuzor

Grief is a universal experience—an inevitable part of the human condition. Yet, in Nigeria, cultural norms often downplay its significance, leaving many to navigate the turbulent waters of loss in silence. Uduak Coach Uddy, a Nigerian-born Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Grief Coach based in the United States, is determined to change this narrative.

Having endured the devastating losses of her father, husband, and sister, Coach Uddy transformed her personal grief into a purposeful mission: helping others find healing. Through her advocacy platform, Dazzling Grit, she equips individuals with tools to confront grief head-on, rediscover purpose, and rebuild their lives after loss. Her books, journals, and coaching programs have become beacons of hope for many struggling with the weight of unprocessed sorrow.

Coach Uddy’s work is both timely and necessary. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 29 million Nigerians live with depression or anxiety—conditions often exacerbated by unaddressed grief. Despite these staggering figures, mental health care remains critically underfunded in Nigeria, and societal stigma continues to silence conversations around emotional well-being.

Recently, Coach Uddy—affectionately known as “Coach Uddy”—returned to Nigeria to amplify her message. During appearances on prominent platforms such as Your View on TVC, Lagos Talks FM, and Naija FM, she spoke passionately about grief as a “silent pandemic,” highlighting its profound yet often overlooked impact on mental health.

“As a Nigerian, it pains me deeply to see how grief is often swept under the rug in our culture,” she said during one of her interviews. “We are taught to ‘stay strong’ and ‘move on,’ which leaves little room to process the pain that lingers beneath the surface. Grief is not a weakness; it’s human. Yet, we live in a society where conversations about loss are hushed. This needs to change.”

Coach Uddy’s visit revealed deep gaps in mental health awareness and support structures across the country. But rather than viewing these gaps as insurmountable, she sees them as opportunities for transformation. Building on the momentum of her trip, she is launching a series of initiatives tailored to Nigeria’s unique cultural landscape.

Central to her mission is fostering culturally sensitive support systems. By collaborating with local mental health professionals and organizations, she aims to create networks that offer not just clinical care, but compassionate spaces where grief can be openly discussed and understood. Recognizing the growing influence of digital platforms, Coach Uddy is also set to launch a Nigeria-focused website that will serve as a comprehensive resource hub. This platform will provide articles, coping tools, and virtual support communities for individuals grappling with grief and related mental health challenges.

Beyond digital spaces, Coach Uddy is committed to grassroots engagement. She is organizing workshops and community events designed to break the silence surrounding grief. These gatherings will encourage open dialogue, challenge societal taboos, and equip participants with practical strategies to navigate loss.

Her message extends beyond the individual. Coach Uddy calls on corporate organizations, policymakers, and community leaders to prioritize mental health in their agendas. “We need to build a culture that embraces vulnerability and offers support,” she emphasizes. “It’s not just about individual healing—it’s about creating a society where emotional well-being is valued and protected.”

Coach Uddy’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience. By turning her personal pain into a mission of purpose, she has become a catalyst for change in both Nigeria and beyond. As she continues to bridge cultural divides and advocate for mental health awareness, her work offers a powerful reminder: grief may be inevitable, but with the right support, healing is possible.