Toxic Masculinity Takes Toll on Nigerian Men

Mary Nnah

The traditional notions of masculinity that have long been ingrained in Nigerian society are taking a devastating toll on men’s mental health. The pressure to conform to societal expectations of what it means to be a man is proving to be a recipe for disaster, with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among men.

According to Sola Oyebade, aka Mr. Mahogany, a renowned expert on men’s issues and convener of the Triple Conference held in Lagos recently, “Men are expected to be strong, to pay all the bills, and to be tough all the time.” But life is not like that anymore. The economy is struggling, women are becoming more independent, and men are feeling the weight of expectations.

The recent Triple G (Groom, Grow, & Grind) Conference in Lagos shone a spotlight on the crisis facing modern men. The event brought together industry experts and men from all walks of life to share their knowledge and experiences.

“Men are suffering in silence, and it’s affecting their relationships and their productivity,” Mr. Mahogany said. “We need to create a safe space for men to talk about their struggles and to seek help when they need it.”

The conference highlighted the importance of redefining what it means to be a man and encouraging men to be vulnerable and open up. It’s time to break down the barriers of toxic masculinity and build a community that supports and uplifts each other.

The statistics are alarming, but there’s hope. By acknowledging the problem and working together, we can create a brighter future for Nigerian men. It’s time to redefine masculinity and prioritize men’s mental health.

According to Mr. Mahogany, the status quo is no longer acceptable. Men are crying out for help, and it’s time we listened. The Triple G Conference is just the beginning. We need to continue the conversation and take action to support men’s mental health.

As Mr. Mahogany said, “We need to redefine what it means to be a man and encourage men to be vulnerable and open up.” It’s time to take the first step towards a healthier, happier future for Nigerian men.