SURPIN Prioritizes Youth Engagement at 2025 Suicide Prevention Conference

The Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative of Nigeria (SURPIN) is set to spotlight young Nigerians at its 2025 national conference, a move designed to strengthen dialogue on suicide prevention and mental resilience. The virtual event, scheduled for Saturday, September 27, will feature secondary school and university students as panelists—making them not just participants but leaders of the conversation.

The annual conference comes days after the global commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day, marked every September 10. This year’s theme, “Building Mental Resilience Amidst Socio-Economic Challenges in Nigeria,” reflects the urgency of addressing the pressures faced by young people in a country where unemployment, economic hardship, and mental health struggles are on the rise.

In her welcome address during a pre-conference briefing, SURPIN President and Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Arit Esangbedo, explained the deliberate shift in focus. “We decided to give secondary school students and undergraduates the opportunity to be panellists 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 noted that this approach acknowledges Nigeria’s demographic realities. “Young people make up the majority of our population, yet they are also among the most affected by unemployment, hardship, and mental health struggles. It is important that we listen directly to their lived experiences,” she added.

Echoing her view, Founder of SURPIN, Dr. Raphael Ogbolu, emphasized that young people have always been at the core of the organization’s work. “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 said.

Ogbolu further noted that while past conferences included activities such as research education, debates, and creative projects, this edition stands out because youths will lead the dialogue. “We want them to tell us directly what they are going through, how they are coping, and the solutions they believe can work,” he explained.

The much-anticipated event will have former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun as special guest of honour, and the conference will be chaired by Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker.

Through this youth-led platform, SURPIN hopes to amplify awareness, inspire resilience, and build a stronger foundation for suicide prevention across Nigeria.