Foundation Sensitizes Waru Community on Mental Health Awareness

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Michael Aina Olanrewaju (MAOLA) Foundation, a non-governmental organization committed to mental health advocacy, today conducted a sensitization program in Waru, a community within the Apo Resettlement area of Abuja.
The initiative according to them is aimed to raise awareness about mental health challenges and reduce the stigma associated with seeking support.
Speaking at the event, Foundation Program Director, Magam Sunday Ndenghe, emphasized the importance of understanding mental health beyond its common misconceptions.
“Many people associate mental health with madness, but that is not the case,” Magam stated. “Mental health affects everyone at different points in life—emotionally, psychologically, and even physically. Stress, depression, and anxiety are all forms of mental health challenges that require attention.”
The sensitization program, which saw a large turnout of community members, provided insights into common mental health conditions, their symptoms, and the importance of seeking help. The foundation had earlier secured approval from the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) to carry out the event.

A legal practitioner and consultant for the foundation, Oladayo Davis, highlighted the findings from their preliminary research in Waru.

“We conducted a baseline survey and discovered that mental health issues are prevalent in this community, including among students at the junior secondary school,” Davis explained. “Economic hardship is a major contributor to mental health struggles, making awareness campaigns like this essential.”

The event also addressed suicide prevention, a pressing issue in the community. According to Davis, community members confirmed past case of suicide linked to untreated mental health conditions.
“In Nigeria, there is a significant gap in addressing mental health. Many people are unaware of what constitutes a mental health condition, while others live in denial,” she said. “Our mission is to bridge this gap by providing accurate information and fostering open conversations about mental well-being.”

The foundation has plans to expand its outreach, with upcoming programs in Gondola and Durumi 1.
Beyond grassroots sensitization, the organization is actively seeking collaborations with government agencies, including the health and education departments of AMAC, to scale up mental health interventions.
“We hope to attract funding from organizations dedicated to mental health advocacy,” Davis added. “With the right support, we can implement structured training modules to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to manage mental health challenges effectively.”

The MAOLA Foundation, formally known as the Michael Aina Olanrewaju (MAOLA) Foundation, is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, advocacy and education. With a vision of building a mentally resilient society, the foundation continues to champion initiatives that foster empathy, understanding and accessible mental health resources for Nigerians.