Mental Health: Federated Chapel, Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital to Hold Awareness Campaign, 2026 Annual Lecture
The Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, in collaboration with the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City, is set to hold its 2026 Annual Lecture and Mental Health Awareness Campaign aimed at promoting mental wellness and public awareness.
The two-day programme is themed “Knowing Your Mental Health Status: A Prerequisite 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, 2026, with a mental health sensitisation and awareness campaign across Benin City.
The campaign is expected to educate residents on the importance of mental health, encourage early detection of mental health conditions, and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
The highlight of the programme, the 2026 Annual Lecture, will take place on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Edo State Council Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), No. 1 Reservation Road, G.R.A., Benin City.
Speaking on the forthcoming event, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Edosa Okunbor, said the Federated Chapel selected mental health as the focus of this year’s lecture series in line with its commitment to public enlightenment and community development.
According to him, the programme is specifically designed to raise awareness about mental health challenges, particularly among commercial drivers, while promoting emotional well-being, early diagnosis, and safer roads.
Okunbor explained that the awareness campaign seeks to reawaken public consciousness on the importance of maintaining good mental health and encourage commercial drivers and other members of the public to pay greater attention to their psychological well-being.
He disclosed that the event will also feature a sub-theme, “Mental Health Awareness and the Role of Opposition Parties in a Democratic System,” which will provide a platform for stakeholders to examine the intersection between public health, democratic governance, and national development.
Expressing confidence in the success of the programme, Okunbor said the two-day event would be enlightening, impactful, and beneficial to participants from different sectors of society. He therefore called on journalists, transport operators, students, civil society organisations, government officials, and members of the public to attend and actively participate in the programme.
The 2026 Annual Lecture and Mental Health Awareness Campaign is being organised by the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, in partnership with the management of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City, as part of sustained efforts to promote mental wellness, strengthen public awareness, and contribute to building a healthier and more productive society.
