The Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, in collaboration with the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Uselu, is set to stage a two-day mental health awareness campaign and annual lecture aimed at promoting psychological well-being and national productivity.
The 2026 annual lecture is themed “Knowing Your Mental Health Status: A Pre-requisite for a Robust and Productive Economy.”
The keynote lecture will be delivered by Dr. Okonkwo Bartholomew, Senior Registrar at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City.
Activities will commence on Thursday, July 23, with a public sensitisation and awareness campaign on mental health, while the main lecture will hold on Friday, July 24, at the Edo State NUJ Secretariat, 1 Reservation Road, GRA, Benin City.
Speaking during a press briefing in Benin City on Tuesday, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Edosa Okunbor, said the initiative reflects the chapel’s commitment to its social responsibility of educating the public on critical societal issues.
According to him, this year’s programme is specifically designed to raise awareness about mental health challenges among commercial drivers, with emphasis on early detection, emotional well-being and the promotion of safer roads.
Okunbor noted that the event will also feature a special session on “Mental Health Awareness and the Role of Opposition Parties in a Democratic System,” creating a platform for stakeholders to examine the intersection of public health and democratic governance.
He described the programme as highly educative and enlightening, urging journalists, commercial transport operators, students, civil society organisations, government officials and members of the public to attend and take advantage of the discussions.
The Federated Chapel expressed confidence that the collaboration with the management of the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, would deepen public understanding of mental health and encourage more Nigerians to prioritise their psychological well-being as a key driver of a healthier and more productive society.
