Mental health remains one of Africa’s most under-discussed topics, but Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, a leading Nigerian psychiatrist and mental health advocate, is determined to change that narrative.
At the recently concluded Mental Health Conference Nigeria 3.0, themed “Trauma: What’s Your Story?”, Dr. Kadiri once again brought together experts, advocates, and everyday Nigerians to confront the realities of mental wellness with openness and courage.
According to Joyce Daniels, renowned public speaking coach and author known as the “Queen of Talk”, Dr. Kadiri’s work has been instrumental in sparking critical dialogue across the continent. Daniels described her as “a woman who has committed her life to equipping Nigerians—and Africans everywhere—with the awareness, tools, and courage to place mental health front and centre.”
Reflecting on the evolution of the conference, Daniels recalled that the inaugural edition, “Take Off the Mask,” invited participants to shed the emotional layers they hide behind and express their true feelings. The second edition, “Identity,” provided frameworks to help individuals understand what mental wellness truly means. This year’s edition, “Trauma: What’s Your Story?”, went even deeper, exploring vulnerability, personal stories, and the collective resolve to heal. She described the atmosphere as “transformative,” adding that the experience reaffirmed her belief that transformation begins with honest conversation.
Daniels underscored the urgency of Dr. Kadiri’s mission by citing research showing that more than 116 million people in Africa were estimated to live with a mental health condition even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the continent, there is an average of only 1.4 mental health workers per 100,000 people, compared to the global average of nine. Even more concerning, in many low-income countries, about 85 percent of people with depression or other mental health disorders receive no treatment at all.
In her remarks, Daniels commended Dr. Kadiri for her vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication to mental wellness, saying: “You’re building a healthier, stronger generation — one conference, one conversation, one life at a time.”
The Mental Health Conference Nigeria, now in its third edition, continues to expand its reach and impact, promoting awareness, healing, and collective responsibility for mental well-being across Africa.
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