By Wole Adedoyin
The Lit Media and Arts Hub has announced the launch of its groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting mental health awareness among young people in Oyo State.
This art-aided mental health sensitization program will kick off in three local government areas, beginning with schools in Akinyele Local Government, with plans to expand to other regions.
The program seeks to raise awareness, debunk myths, and foster healthy discussions around mental health in an effort to address the rising cases of mental health issues exacerbated by socio-political, economic, and psychological pressures in Nigeria.
The initiative was announced in a statement issued by Mr. Akinola Sesan, the award-winning poet, performing playwright, and staunch mental health advocate. Mr. Sesan, who is also the convener of LIMAH, explained that mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent due to ignorance, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services. “Many Nigerians are losing their minds, livelihoods, and loved ones due to the inability to cope with mounting pressures, leading to dysfunction, trauma, and victimhood,” he said.
LIMAH’s school art-aided mental health sensitization program is designed to directly address this pressing issue. Through creative arts, stage productions, and advocacy in schools, LIMAH aims to create a mentally healthy population that can contribute positively to national and global development. The program will include a series of discussions, activities, and artistic presentations aimed at educating students on the importance of mental health and how to navigate the complexities surrounding it.
The central theme of the program is “Thinking Forward: The Myths and Misconceptions of Mental Health.” Students will be engaged in an interactive campaign led by Mr. Akinola Sesan and Mrs. Oluwasola Rauf, a renowned social advocate. The campaign will explore common misconceptions about mental health, offering a platform for students to express their concerns and questions in a safe and supportive environment. The program will not only enlighten students but also equip them with tools to manage their mental health and support their peers.
The first phase of the campaign will begin on November 22, 2024, in schools within the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State. The initiative will run throughout the month, with future expansion plans to other local governments in the state. Through this program, LIMAH seeks to break the silence around mental health and create an atmosphere of understanding and empathy among young Nigerians.
A key component of the sensitization program will be the donation of Mr. Akinola Sesan’s critically acclaimed collection, The Grief of Anibala. This collection has been recognized as a valuable contribution to mental health literature, and it will be donated to the libraries of participating schools. This donation is part of LIMAH’s broader effort to provide students with the resources they need to better understand mental health and its impact on society.
The Grief of Anibala is a compelling work that addresses the emotional and psychological struggles people face, making it an ideal tool for students to explore the nuances of mental health. The collection, which blends poetry and narrative, is expected to serve as a catalyst for deep reflection and discussion among students and educators alike.
In addition to the book donation, LIMAH will provide schools with mental health resource materials, including pamphlets, posters, and contact information for local mental health support services. The goal is to ensure that students have access to the knowledge and resources they need to maintain good mental health and seek help when necessary.
The Lit Media and Arts Hub’s initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring that mental health is prioritized in the educational sector. Mr. Sesan emphasized that fostering mental health awareness in schools is a crucial step toward creating a future where young people are empowered to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
LIMAH’s school arts-aided mental health sensitization program is expected to be a transformative experience for the students and communities of Oyo State.
The collaboration between Mr Sesan, Mrs Rauf, and local educators is a testimony to the power of creative arts in shaping positive change and advocating for a more mentally healthy society.
This programme is part of LIMAH’s long-term vision to use the arts as a vehicle for social change, with mental health being a primary focus. By working with schools, LIMAH hopes to reach young minds at a critical stage in their development and foster a generation that values mental well-being and strives to break free from the stigmas surrounding mental health in Nigeria.
