Ejigbo LCDA, The Legends Unite to Tackle Youth Mental Health Challenges
By Saheed Afolabi
The need for stronger collaboration between government institutions, schools, health professionals and community-based organisations has been highlighted in Ejigbo, Lagos State, following a youth-focused mental health awareness programme that brought together 168 students from nine schools.
The programme was organised by The Legends Support 4 Community Initiative in collaboration with Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) as part of activities commemorating World Mental Health Day 2026.
Held on Thursday, October 8, the third edition of the initiative’s annual programme provided a platform to discuss mental health, responsible social media use, drug abuse prevention, personal safety, cybercrime, cultism and responsible citizenship.
The event attracted students and accompanying teachers from nine schools, alongside representatives of the local council, Education District VI, health professionals, law enforcement agencies and members of the community.
In his welcome address, the organisation’s president, Comrade Sulaimon Ijaoba, emphasised that mental health is an essential part of overall wellbeing and that young people deserve to be heard, supported and treated with dignity.
He said the initiative was committed to creating safe spaces where students could discuss their experiences, seek help and learn how to manage challenges such as bullying, peer pressure, academic stress, family difficulties and pressures associated with social media.
The council’s support featured prominently in the programme, with Mr Saheed Kasumu, Supervisor for Health at Ejigbo LCDA, commending the organisers for their efforts to promote mental health awareness among young people.
Kasumu also acknowledged the support of the council chairman, Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo, who served as chief host and provided the venue at no cost, alongside refreshments for participating students and resource persons.
The collaboration enabled the organisers to bring professionals from different fields into a shared learning environment, giving students access to information about health, personal safety, drug abuse prevention and the consequences of unlawful activities.
Dr. Akinlade Olatunbosun, a medical doctor, mental health advocate and consultant at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, delivered a presentation on social media and mental health, urging students to balance digital engagement with personal wellbeing and academic success.
Mrs. Ijeoma, representing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, addressed the dangers of drug abuse, while DSP Hammed Ramoni, Esq., of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Lagos, delivered a virtual presentation on crime prevention, personal safety, cybercrime, cultism and responsible citizenship.
A representative of Education District VI, Mr. Giwa, who was present from the commencement of the event, acknowledged the initiative and explained the district’s coverage of public and private schools. He also encouraged students to seek guidance from their school counsellors when facing troubling situations.
The programme featured an interactive panel session facilitated by Princess Bukola, a change agent, and Comrade Ijaoba, allowing participants to reflect on the presentations and engage with the issues affecting young people.
At the end of the programme, certificates of participation were presented to the nine participating schools: 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.
The participation of the schools and accompanying teachers underscored the importance of involving educational institutions in efforts to promote mental health awareness and responsible behaviour among students.
The Legends Support 4 Community Initiative expressed appreciation to the chairman and management of Ejigbo LCDA, the facilitators, participating schools, teachers, volunteers and other stakeholders whose contributions helped make the programme possible.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to community development and youth wellbeing, expressing the hope that continued collaboration among public institutions, schools and community organisations would help young people make informed decisions and build healthier futures.
