– Says Every Child Deserves a Chance
Ejigbo, Lagos – A Community-Based Organization, The Legends Support 4 Community Initiative, has reached 168 students from nine schools in Ejigbo, Lagos State, through its third annual World Mental Health Day programme.
The event, held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in collaboration with Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), focused on mental health awareness, responsible social media use, drug abuse prevention, personal safety, cybercrime, cultism and responsible citizenship.
With the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” the programme encouraged students to discuss challenges affecting their wellbeing and seek appropriate support.
Participants were drawn from schools within the LCDA, including Learn With Ease Islamic Academy, Al-Faruq College, Oke-Afa Comprehensive School, Ejigbo Senior High School, Simid College, Fadhlu Raheem Schools, Dawah College, Aroma Unique School and Gabsolarose Schools.
In his welcome address, the organisation’s president, Comrade Sulaimon Ijaoba, said mental health was an essential part of overall wellbeing.
He urged students to speak openly about their challenges, listen to one another and seek help when necessary, stressing that asking for assistance was a sign of courage, not weakness.
A medical doctor, mental health advocate and consultant at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Akinlade Olatunbosun, spoke on the relationship between social media, mental health and academic performance.
He warned that excessive social media use and constant comparison with others could affect self-esteem, disrupt sleep and interfere with academic responsibilities.
Mrs. Ijeoma of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency discussed the consequences of drug abuse and its potential impact on health, education and future aspirations.
A virtual presentation by DSP Hammed Ramoni, of the Directorate of Legal Services, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Lagos, addressed crime prevention, personal safety, cybercrime, cultism and responsible citizenship.
The programme also featured an interactive panel session facilitated by Princess Bukola, a change agent, and Comrade Ijaoba, giving students an opportunity to engage further with the issues discussed.
The Supervisor for Health at Ejigbo LCDA, Hon. Saheed Kasumu, commended the organisation for promoting mental health awareness among young people.
Similarly, Mr. Giwa, representing Education District VI, encouraged students to seek guidance from their school counsellors whenever they encountered troubling situations.
Certificates were presented to the schools in recognition of their participation and commitment to promoting mental health awareness, drug abuse prevention, personal safety and responsible citizenship.
The Legends Support 4 Community Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people through education, practical guidance and open discussions, emphasising that sustained cooperation among families, schools, government institutions, professionals and community organisations is essential to helping young people protect their mental health and build healthier futures.
