The Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) is pleased to announce a successful courtesy visit to the Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, to discuss the critical need for establishing the inaugural Ministry of Men Affairs in Nigeria. The meeting, held on August 25, 2024, was led by the Executive Director of Life After Abuse Foundation, Halima Layeni, accompanied by LAAF volunteers, Victor Madike and Seyifunmi Afolarin. Barrister Dalung was highly receptive to the Foundation’s advocacy and demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges faced by men in Nigeria. During the visit, LAAF presented an overview of the key issues confronting men across the country. These included the alarming rates of violence against men, which often go unreported and unaddressed, the severe mental health crisis driven by societal pressures and the economic challenges stemming from underemployment and inadequate workforce participation. The Foundation emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated ministry to focus on these issues, ensuring that men receive the support and protection necessary for their well-being. Barrister Dalung, known for his commitment to social justice, was particularly interested in the Foundation’s data on the health neglect that men in Nigeria face, leading to lower life expectancy and higher rates of depression and suicide compared to women. He expressed his concern about the societal breakdown resulting from these challenges, noting that family disintegration and increased divorce rates are directly linked to the pressures men face in fulfilling traditional roles. The discussion highlighted the importance of establishing the Ministry of Men Affairs, which would provide focused attention on men’s unique issues, improve health outcomes through targeted campaigns, and create economic opportunities that enhance stability and reduce poverty among men. Barrister Dalung contributed valuable insights on how to advance the Foundation’s advocacy, suggesting key legislative and policy changes that would facilitate the establishment of the ministry. The Life After Abuse Foundation also presented its five-point agenda, which includes improving health outcomes for men, addressing violence against men, creating economic opportunities, implementing targeted policy and legislative changes, and strengthening families by supporting men in their roles. Barrister Dalung endorsed these priorities and offered strategic advice on engaging with stakeholders and policymakers to ensure that the ministry’s objectives align with the needs of Nigerian communities. In closing, Barrister Dalung reaffirmed his support for the establishment of the Ministry of Men Affairs and encouraged LAAF to continue its vital work in advocating for the rights and well-being of men across Nigeria. The Foundation is committed to working closely with key partners and stakeholders to see this vision realized and to ensure that the Ministry of Men Affairs becomes a reality, providing the necessary support and services to address the critical issues affecting men in Nigeria. For media inquiries, please contact:Bola DanielHead of Communications Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) 07064145539info@laafng.org Life After Abuse Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2017 with a mission to provide education, mentorship, and psychosocial support to boys and men who have experienced trauma and abuse globally. Our initiatives include policy engagement, organizational and community participation, media activism, and psychotherapy. These efforts serve as tools for advancing health equity, gender equality, and combating gender-based violence.
Oba Sulaiman Owolabi Joins LAAF Dad Hero Conference as Royal Father of the Day
In preparation for the highly anticipated Dad Hero Conference, representatives from the Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) visited the Olu of Iwaya, Oba Sulaiman Owolabi, at his palace. The visit was marked by the Oba’s warm hospitality and his deep receptiveness to the critical discussion on promoting healthy masculinity and fatherhood. During the visit, Oba Sulaiman Owolabi demonstrated remarkable friendliness and knowledge, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for men to express themselves and freely seek help. The Oba’s engagement highlighted his understanding of the societal need to support men in their roles as fathers, partners, and community leaders. We are honoured to announce that Oba Sulaiman Owolabi graciously accepted our invitation to be the Royal Father of the Day at the Dad Hero Conference. His presence and support are invaluable, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to him for his commitment to this cause. Traditional rulers play a crucial role in advancing healthy masculinity in our communities. Their influence and leadership can inspire positive changes and encourage men to embrace their roles as nurturing fathers and responsible community members. By lending his voice to the Dad Hero Conference, Oba Sulaiman Owolabi helps to reinforce the importance of supporting men in their journey towards healthier expressions of masculinity. The Dad Hero Conference is designed to shine a spotlight on the diverse roles and often overlooked contributions of fathers in our society. Featuring an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, panelists, and performers, the conference aims to foster a deeper appreciation for fathers and their vital role in nurturing families and communities. Among the keynote speakers are Prof. Fatai Adesina Badru, Professor of Social Works at the University of Lagos, and Bolade Daranijo, Executive Chairman of Sinbol Group and Board Chair of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF). Their speeches will set the tone for the day, highlighting the essential contributions of fathers to our society. Panel discussions will include notable figures such as Ben Arikpo, a Psychologist and Special Needs Practitioner; Mr. Oluwatosin Affinnih, a Spirit-Life Mentor and Family Counselling Specialist; Dr. Tolu Ajomale, a Public Health Physician; George Ikoli-Spiff, an IT Consultant and Convener of the Man2Man Series; Dr. Dami Adeyemi-Levites, a Healthcare Finance and Tech Professional; Kelechi Anyalechi, a Family Life Strategist; Joel Uzamere, a Fitness & Wellness Consultant; and Dr. Mustapha Muntaqa, Senior Registrar Urology. These esteemed panelists will share their insights and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted role of fathers. In addition to the panelists, the conference will feature speakers such as Will Baptiste, a Men’s Wholeness Coach and Founder of the Rising Men Alliance; Kingsley Obom-Egbulem, a Media & Communication Specialist and Co-Founder of the Compassionate Care & Recovery Initiative; Joseph O. Adewole, a Logistics Entrepreneur, Founder of JoeyAkinloye Consults Nig. Ltd., and Lead Facilitator of the Nehemiah Protege Foundation, and Ayo Odusola, a Business Development Expert. Their diverse perspectives will contribute to a rich dialogue on masculinity, fatherhood, men’s health, and overall well-being. Attendees will also be treated to performances by Okotie Daniel Giovanni, Olusola Adigun, and Raphael Adekolurejo, whose artistic expressions will add a unique and engaging dimension to the event. Hosting the conference will be Joshua Morakinyo and Ade Oyeyipo, who will guide us through the day’s events with energy and enthusiasm. Special recognition and heartfelt thanks go to Mr. Mosope Coker, whose exceptional efforts facilitated our meeting with Oba Sulaiman Owolabi. Mr. Coker has been an invaluable part of ensuring the success of many LAAF projects. His dedication and commitment to the foundation’s mission have significantly contributed to advancing our goals and initiatives. To register for the Dad Hero Conference, kindly follow this link. For more information, please contact: info@laafng.com.
LAAF Pays Courtesy Visit to Police Commissioner, CP Adegoke Fayoade Ahead of Dad Hero Conference
In anticipation of the Dad Hero Conference, the Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) embarked on a significant courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Adegoke Fayoade. The purpose of this visit was to extend an invitation to the Commissioner, PPRO SP Benjamin Hundeyin, and all esteemed police officers serving in Lagos to participate in this monumental event, scheduled for Monday, 17 June 2024, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The Dad Hero Conference is designed to shine a spotlight on the diverse roles and often overlooked contributions of fathers in our society. Featuring an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, panelists, and performers, the conference aims to foster a deeper appreciation for fathers and their vital role in nurturing families and communities. Among the keynote speakers are Prof. Fatai Adesina Badru, Professor of Social Works at the University of Lagos, and Bolade Daranijo, Executive Chairman of Sinbol Group and Board Chair of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF). Their speeches will set the tone for the day, highlighting the essential contributions of fathers to our society. Panel discussions will include notable figures such as Ben Arikpo, a Psychologist and Special Needs Practitioner; Mr. Oluwatosin Affinnih, a Spirit-Life Mentor and Family Counselling Specialist; Dr. Tolu Ajomale, a Public Health Physician; George Ikoli-Spiff, an IT Consultant and Convener of the Man2Man Series; Dr. Dami Adeyemi-Levites, a Healthcare Finance and Tech Professional; Kelechi Anyalechi, a Family Life Strategist; Joel Uzamere, a Fitness & Wellness Consultant; and Dr. Mustapha Muntaqa, Senior Registrar Urology. These esteemed panelists will share their insights and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted role of fathers. In addition to the panelists, the conference will feature speakers such as Will Baptiste, a Men’s Wholeness Coach and Founder of the Rising Men Alliance; Kingsley Obom-Egbulem, a Media & Communication Specialist and Co-Founder of the Compassionate Care & Recovery Initiative; Joseph O. Adewole, a Logistics Entrepreneur, Founder of JoeyAkinloye Consults Nig. Ltd., and Lead Facilitator of the Nehemiah Protege Foundation, and Ayo Odusola, a Business Development Expert. Their diverse perspectives will contribute to a rich dialogue on masculinity, fatherhood, men’s health, and overall well-being. Attendees will also be treated to performances by Okotie Daniel Giovanni, Olusola Adigun, and Raphael Adekolurejo, whose artistic expressions will add a unique and engaging dimension to the event. Hosting the conference will be Joshua Morakinyo and Ade Oyeyipo, who will guide us through the day’s events with energy and enthusiasm. During the courtesy visit, LAAF extended a sincere invitation to the Commissioner of Police, PPRO SP Benjamin Hundeyin, and all esteemed police officers serving in Lagos. The foundation emphasized the profound honor it would be for them to participate in the conference, highlighting the enriching experience their presence would bring to the event. We are deeply grateful to DCP Fakeye Olubunmi Olubode Psc, NIPS, for his invaluable support and kindness in facilitating our meeting with the Commissioner. His dedication to building bridges between the police force and the community is truly commendable, and we appreciate his efforts in making this meeting possible. To register for the dad hero conference, kindly follow this link. For more information, please contact info@laafng.com
LAAF Holds Men’s Mental Health Workshop at the Rotary Club of Ikeja
Life After Abuse Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting men’s mental health holds Men’s Mental Health Workshop at the Rotary Club of Ikeja. Halima Layeni, Founder and Executive Director of Life After Abuse Foundation, spearheaded the workshop. Hosted by Mr. Emeka Ibe, the event provided a platform for open dialogue and practical strategies to address the unique mental health challenges faced by men in our society. The workshop, held on 22nd April, 2024, brought together a diverse group of participants, including mental health professionals, community leaders, captains of industries, and concerned citizens, to discuss the importance of prioritizing men’s mental health and overcoming the stigma surrounding it. “With traditional gender norms dictating that men should be stoic and strong, many men feel reluctant to seek help for their mental health issues,” said Halima Layeni. “Our workshop aimed to challenge these harmful stereotypes and create a safe space for men to open up about their struggles and seek support.” Throughout the workshop, attendees engaged in interactive discussions and participated in activities designed to promote self-reflection and empathy. Topics covered included Sociocultural factors that leads to depression in men, effect of toxic societal values, emotional resilience, healthy coping mechanisms, and strategies for seeking professional help. The workshop concluded with a call to action for continued advocacy and collaboration to address the mental health needs of men in Nigeria. Participants expressed their commitment to spreading awareness, promoting positive mental health practices, and supporting initiatives that prioritize men’s well-being. Life After Abuse Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Emeka Ibe and the Rotary Club of Ikeja for their support in organizing this impactful event. For more information about Life After Abuse Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.laafng.org
Open Letter To The Honorable Minister For Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate On Nigeria’s Mental Health Crises
Dear Honorable Minister for Health, I pen this letter to you with a heavy heart, but also with a fervent hope for change. As the Minister for Health and Social Welfare, you shoulder the immense responsibility of safeguarding the well-being of every Nigerian. Yet, amidst the myriad challenges we face as a nation, one issue stands out as a glaring indictment of our collective failure: the state of mental health care in Nigeria. In a country of over 200 million people, we have fewer than 150 psychiatrists. Let that sobering fact sink in. Less than 150 specialists are tasked with addressing the mental health needs of a population grappling with the stresses of modern life, compounded by poverty, conflict, and inequality. According to the WHO, l;ess than 10% of mentally ill Nigerians have access to the care they need. This is not just a statistic; it is a damning indictment of our collective failure to prioritize mental health as a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. To put this into perspective, let us compare our situation to that of other nations: In the United States, there are approximately 28,000 psychiatrists serving a population of 330 million people. In the United Kingdom, there are 12,300 psychiatrists for a population of 68 million. The disparity is stark, and it is unacceptable. Numbers alone do not tell the full story. We must also confront the systemic issues that have hampered our efforts to provide adequate mental health care. First and foremost, we must address the chronic underfunding of mental health services. Year after year, mental health budgets languish at the bottom of the priority list, starved of the resources they need to function effectively. This must change. We cannot hope to build a healthy, prosperous society without investing in the mental well-being of our citizens. Equally pressing is the issue of inadequate facilities and infrastructure. Too often, those in need of mental health care are forced to travel long distances to access overstretched hospitals and clinics, only to find that essential medications and treatments are in short supply. We must invest in the expansion and modernization of our mental health infrastructure, ensuring that care is accessible to all who need it. But perhaps most damning of all is the failure to implement existing laws and policies designed to protect the rights of individuals with mental health conditions. Our National Mental Health Policy, enacted in 2013, lays out a comprehensive framework for promoting mental health and ensuring access to quality care. Yet, too often, these lofty aspirations remain unrealized. We cannot ignore the issue of men’s mental health. Traditional gender norms dictate that men should be stoic and strong, leading many to suffer in silence rather than seek help for their mental health issues. We must work to dismantle these harmful stereotypes and create a culture where men feel comfortable seeking support when they need it most. As Minister for Health and social welfare, you have the power to effect change. You have the opportunity to reshape our nation’s approach to mental health care, to tear down the barriers that have long stood in the way of progress. But you cannot do it alone. I call upon you to marshal the resources of your ministry, to rally support from across the government and civil society, and to lead by example in the fight for mental health equity. Together, we can build a future where every Nigerian has access to the care and support they need to thrive—a future where mental health is not just an afterthought, but a fundamental pillar of our national identity. The time for action is now. The stakes could not be higher. Let us rise to the challenge, and in doing so, create a brighter, healthier future for all Nigerians. Halima LayeniFounder & Executive DirectorLife After Abuse Foundation
LAAF Founder, Halima Layeni Honored at the Black Healthcare Professionals Network Gala in Toronto, Canada
Congratulations to our Founder and Executive Director, Halima Layeni, on being recognized at the Black Healthcare Professionals Network Gala in Toronto, Canada. Halima has been recognized as a Health Care Hero under the Health Humanitarian Award Category, organized by the Black Healthcare Professionals Network in partnership with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Halima for this well-deserved recognition. Her visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to addressing men’s mental health through the Life After Abuse Foundation have been truly inspiring. We would also like to extend our warmest congratulations to the winner in the award category, Lielar Springler and the fellow nominees; Nadia Cénacla, Sharon Green, Brenda Okorogba, and Karen Myers. A special thank you to Mr. Daniel Asamoah for graciously attending the event on behalf of our organization and for his unwavering support. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rotimi Aroge(@rotimiaroge), a valued member of the Life After Abuse Foundation’s Advisory Board. Your dedication to our cause was instrumental in connecting us with Mr. Daniel. His efforts in facilitating connections and fostering collaboration are truly commendable. It is through your commitment that we are able to amplify our impact at LAAF, thank you. We thank the most committed, dedicated, passionate and talented team any organization could have – the LAAF team. Thank you all for your selfless service and sacrifice. We are because you are. THANK YOU! This nomination serves as a reminder of the importance of collective action and community support in addressing men’s mental health challenges. We all must continue to work towards ensuring that we end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and create a safe space for all men.
LAAF Holds Workshop on Men’s Mental Health for Healthcare Professionals at Isolo General Hospital
Life After Abuse Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting men’s mental health awareness, marked Health Month with an initiative aimed at raising awareness about men’s mental health. The foundation conducted a sensitization workshop at Isolo General Hospital, targeting healthcare professionals to equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools to support men’s mental well-being. The workshop, facilitated by LAAF Executive Director, Halima Layeni aimed to raise awareness and educate healthcare professionals about the importance of addressing men’s mental health issues. The workshop provided valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by men in relation to mental health and explored effective strategies for addressing these issues within healthcare settings. The session emphasized the importance of destigmatizing mental health concerns among men and fostering a supportive environment for seeking help and support. The event was hosted by Dr. Oni Adedapo Thomas, a consultant psychiatrist at Isolo General Hospital, with the esteemed presence of Mrs. Funke Olusola, the Head of Theatre Nurse, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to promoting mental health awareness and providing quality care to all patients, including men facing mental health challenges. LAAF extends its gratitude to the volunteers who supported the workshop, including Anjolola Osinuga and Ridwan Tijani, for their selfless service and commitment. Speaking about the initiative, Halima Layeni expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Isolo General Hospital and highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing the mental health needs of men in our communities. “By coming together to raise awareness and provide support, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society where men feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being,” she stated. The sensitization workshop at Isolo General Hospital underscores Life After Abuse Foundation’s ongoing commitment to promoting men’s mental health awareness and advocacy, particularly within underserved communities. As Health Month continues, the foundation remains dedicated to driving positive change and fostering a culture of mental wellness for all men. For more information about Life After Abuse Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.laafng.org.
Life After Abuse Foundation Appoints New Advisory Council to Advance Men’s Mental Health Initiative
Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing mental health support to men in need and advocating for the advancement of men’s mental health support, proudly announces the appointment of highly skilled professionals to its Advisory Council. The new council members bring a wealth of experience and expertise, underscoring LAAF’s commitment to enhancing mental health support, particularly for men. Afoma Chiegboka, an award-winning experienced storyteller with over 13 years of experience in the design industry, excels in Product Management, Operations, Business Writing, Editing, and Public Speaking. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree, further enriching her skill set as a communications specialist. Afoma’s adept storytelling abilities and comprehensive understanding of communication strategies will play a pivotal role in shaping LAAF’s narrative and effectively reaching out to men in need. Femi Boboye, Managing Partner at Pelse Consulting, brings expertise in organizational development and strategic planning. His insights will optimize LAAF’s operations and maximize impact, ensuring efficient resource allocation to support men’s mental health initiatives. Ikeoluwa Olatoke, a legal practitioner with experience at Damod Law Practice, specializes in legal research, negotiation, and drafting contracts. Ikeoluwa’s memberships in the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK (ACIarb) and the Africa Young Arbitrators enrich LAAF’s legal framework, ensuring robust legal structures to support men’s mental health advocacy and services. Immaculate Odekina, a Legal Practitioner with over 12 years of post-call experience, specializes in commercial/corporate law, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, energy law, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Her expertise will ensure LAAF’s compliance with legal regulations and facilitate the development of partnerships to expand mental health support for men. Jeremiah Okpako, a business professional with over 15 years of experience in business development and sales across various industries, will strengthen LAAF’s outreach efforts with his strategic insights and extensive network. His connections will help amplify LAAF’s message and increase access to mental health resources for men. Jide Ogunleye, an IT professional with over 16 years of experience, founded Ritemate Technologies, catering to clients like MTN, Stanbic, Mouka, Amber Energy, UBA plc, Fidelity Bank, Arik Air, and Nigerian Communication Commission. Jide’s expertise in technology and innovation will be invaluable in advancing LAAF’s initiatives, particularly in developing digital platforms for mental health support and awareness. Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo, is a seasoned Governance, Transparency, and Accountability expert with a profound history of collaborating with marginalized grassroots communities across Africa. He is formerly a Youth Leader for the Global Partnership for Education and the co-founder of Follow the Money, Mukhtar’s commitment to accountability resonates with LAAF’s mission to provide education, mentorship, and mental health support to boys and men globally. Munirat Layeni, a Mental Health Professional with over 5 years of experience with the NHS and LAAF, served as a Partnership Strategist at LAAF for 3 years. With a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Hertfordshire, Munirat’s expertise in strategic partnership complements LAAF’s mission, fostering collaborations to expand mental health services for men. Rotimi Aroge, the MD/CEO of Global Foremost Impressions Ltd, aligns his advocacy for drug-induced road accident prevention with the SDG. Rotimi’s commitment to road accident prevention earned him a finalist position in the University of Sussex qualifying 2024 Big Idea Contest (BIC). His dedication to public health and safety aligns with LAAF’s mission to provide comprehensive mental health support for men. Temidayo Musa brings over 7 years of expertise in program management and communications, championing open data and citizen participation for enhanced community development. His experience will contribute to LAAF’s efforts to develop and implement effective programs for men’s mental health support, ensuring that services are tailored to meet the needs of diverse communities. Yinka Olonode, with over a decade of experience in finance and investment, runs a SEC licensed Investment management company and a retail credit firm called Penny Lender. Yinka is a leading voice in investment management and humanitarian advocacy. His financial acumen will support LAAF’s sustainability and growth, ensuring continued access to mental health resources for men. The appointment of these professionals underscores LAAF’s commitment to advancing men’s mental health support and fostering a society free from stigma. With their collective expertise and passion, the Advisory Council is poised to drive meaningful change and empower men on their journey to healing. For media inquiries or further information, please contact info@laafng.org. About Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF): Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF), a non-profit organization founded by Halima Layeni is dedicated to providing education, mentorship, and mental health support to boys and men globally. Through various initiatives such as policy engagement, school outreaches, media activism, and psychotherapy, we aim to advance health equity, gender equality, combat gender-based violence, and foster a community of healing and support. Connect with Us:Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/lifeafterabusefoundationTwitter: https://twitter.com/LifeAfterAbuseFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterabusefoundation/
IWD2024: Change Leaders Engage with Hon. Abiodun Orekoya to Propel Gender Equality and Social Initiatives
In a prelude to International Women’s Day, a delegation of change leaders from Lagos, comprising Halima Layeni, Nmuta Ngozi, Obadare Adenekan, and Amaka Osita, held a pivotal engagement with Honourable Abiodun Orekoya, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Facilitated by the Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) in collaboration with Nguvu Collective(formerly championed by Change.org Foundation), the meeting addressed critical issues affecting women, men, children, and the environment. Halima Layeni, an advocate of men’s mental health, presented a campaign seeking to reduce the high rate of gender-based violence in Lagos State. Her proposed solution involve advocating for budget allocations to establish and enhance mental health programs for men, including awareness campaigns, counselling services, and accessible resources to combat GBV. Nmuta Ngozi focused on supporting single mothers by mandating fathers to provide child support for their children. She proposed raising a bill in the House of Assembly that criminalizes the lack of child support from fathers, emphasizing the importance of legal measures in ensuring the well-being of single-parent households. In an effort to combat environmental challenges, Obadare Adenekan highlighted the urgency of implementing a ban on single-use plastic bags and styrofoam. He urged Hon. Abiodun Orekoya to contribute to putting pressure on the Executive to ensure the policy is enforced, emphasizing the involvement of young climate activists in the implementation process. Amaka Osita brought attention to the need for implementing a student loan program in Lagos State to support underprivileged students. She sought Hon. Orekoya’s support in ensuring that Lagos State becomes part of the states where the student loan program will be piloted by the Federal Government this year. As International Women’s Day approaches, this initiative sends a powerful message: achieving gender equality requires a holistic approach that includes prioritizing men’s mental health and ensuring fathers pay child support. The collaborative efforts of change leaders in Lagos serve as a beacon for other communities, emphasizing the importance of collective action for a more equitable and inclusive society. Imole Layeni, LAAF Strategic Partnership Manager, orchestrated the meeting. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Yinka Stephen for recommending access to the esteemed lawmaker. The delegation expresses deep appreciation to Hon. Abiodun Orekoya for his hospitality, receptiveness to their campaigns, and commitment to elevating their campaign requests to the relevant bodies. The Life After Abuse Foundation volunteer photographer, Tinuola Oyediran, and campaign officer, Ladyann Crown, were recognized for their selfless service in capturing and promoting the important dialogue.
Life After Abuse Foundation Offers Mental Health Support To Men at Lagos State Rehab On World Mental Health Day
On this World Mental Health Day, the Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) delivered a message of hope and healing to boys and men struggling with drug addiction at the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development Rehabilitation Centre in Magodo, Isheri. LAAF, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals on their path to mental and emotional well-being, held an inspiring mental health awareness program that touched the lives of those battling addiction. The event brought together remarkable individuals and resources to share stories of triumph over adversity and to promote healthier masculinity living. The centrepiece of the event was a moving presentation by a guest speaker Damilola Agboola, who courageously shared his personal journey of overcoming drug addiction and living a fulfilling life. What made Damilola’s story even more inspiring is his battle with Schizophrenia, a condition that he has not only conquered but now uses to help others on the same path to recovery. Damilola’s message resonated deeply with the audience, offering them hope, inspiration, and a tangible example of transformation. His story serves as a beacon of light for those in the darkest of struggles, demonstrating that recovery is possible. Princess Rufus, the Program Officer of LAAF, took the stage to sensitize the boys and men on the importance of healthy masculinity living. Her insightful presentation encouraged attendees to embrace positive aspects of masculinity and reject harmful stereotypes, fostering an environment of respect and support. LAAF extends its heartfelt gratitude to its dedicated volunteers, Anjola Ademola-Osinuga and Tinuola Oyeniran, for their tireless efforts in making this event a success. Their commitment to improving the lives of those in need is truly commendable. Special thanks are also due to Mr. Tunde Bakare, the Principal of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development Rehabilitation Centre in Magodo, Isheri, for generously providing the opportunity for LAAF to connect with the boys and men in need. His support and cooperation were invaluable in making this event possible. LAAF remains committed to its mission of promoting mental health and well-being for all boys and men, and events like this one exemplify the positive impact that can be achieved when a community comes together to support those in need. For more information about Life After Abuse Foundation and its ongoing initiatives, please visit www.laafng.org. Media Contact: Bola Daniel info@laafng.org About Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF): Life After Abuse Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and resources to boys and men on their journey to mental and emotional well-being. LAAF is committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting a world where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.