Healthcare professionals, development partners, corporate leaders, security agencies, academics and civil society organisations are set to gather for the Mental Health and Gender-Based Violence Conference Nigeria 2026, scheduled to take place from October 8 to 10, 2026.

The three-day conference is being organised by Echoes Africa Initiatives, a United States-based nonprofit organisation, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. It will be held under the theme, ‘Invisible Wounds: Understanding Mental Health, Trauma, Gender-Based Violence and Their Impact on Society’.

The event is positioned as a national call to action to address the increasing psychological, social and economic impact of untreated mental illness, trauma, substance abuse and gender-based violence across Nigeria.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Echoes Africa Initiatives, Ify Ezinwa, said the conference is intended to move discussions on mental health beyond awareness campaigns by promoting practical solutions that strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and improve the well-being of individuals, families and communities.

According to her, mental health has become a critical component of national development.

“The emotional toll of insecurity, economic hardship, displacement, substance abuse, and gender-based violence is affecting millions of Nigerians. These challenges impact productivity, education, healthcare, family life, and social cohesion. This conference is designed to bring every sector of society together to identify practical, sustainable solutions,” Ezinwa said.

Ezinwa further stated that the conference reflects Echoes Africa Initiatives’ commitment to encouraging collaboration among government institutions, healthcare providers, the private sector, development agencies and civil society organisations to improve access to quality mental healthcare while reducing stigma.

She explained that the partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through the National Mental Health Programme, aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to implement Nigeria’s National Mental Health Policy.

According to her, the conference will serve as a platform for policy discussions, professional capacity building, community engagement and cross-sector partnerships that support the ministry’s objective of strengthening mental health services across the country.

Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka described mental health as one of the defining public health challenges of the 21st century, stressing that untreated mental health conditions have significant implications for education, workforce productivity, family stability and national economic development.

“Mental health affects every family, every workplace, and every community. The earlier we recognise mental health conditions and provide appropriate support, the better the outcomes for individuals and society. Recovery is possible, and communities have an important role to play in supporting those who need care,” Shoyinka said.

Nigerian Business Executive Receives U.S. Congressional Recognition

Meanwhile, Nigerian business executive and international trade advocate Mr. Onoja Attah Onoja has received a Congressional Proclamation from Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, a member of the United States House of Representatives, in recognition of his contributions to international trade, economic cooperation and diaspora engagement.

The honour was presented during the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee of New York’s commemoration of Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary, where Onoja was recognised for strengthening commercial and institutional relationships across Africa, the Caribbean and the United States.

According to the proclamation, the recognition acknowledges more than two decades of Onoja’s professional experience spanning the shipping, marketing, distribution and energy sectors, as well as his commitment to advancing international partnerships that promote trade, investment and sustainable economic growth.

The citation also highlighted his efforts in building stronger connections between businesses and institutions across continents through strategic collaboration, reinforcing the importance of private-sector leadership in driving global economic development.

Onoja currently serves as President of the African Caribbean Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry (ACCTCI), where he has led initiatives designed to deepen economic cooperation among Africa, the Caribbean and North America.

Through the chamber, he has facilitated engagement involving governments, private-sector organisations and development partners to encourage investment, strengthen institutional collaboration and create new business opportunities across the regions.

His leadership has focused on promoting trade, attracting investment and supporting partnerships aimed at delivering long-term economic development and shared prosperity.

The recognition comes as Nigerians in the diaspora continue to receive international acclaim across sectors including business, technology, healthcare, education and public service.

Observers said the honour reflects the growing influence of Nigerian professionals contributing to international development by creating business opportunities, strengthening institutions and expanding cross-border cooperation.

They added that the recognition reinforces Nigeria’s reputation for producing globally competitive professionals capable of making meaningful contributions beyond its borders.

Reacting to the award, Onoja described the honour as both a personal achievement and recognition of Nigerians whose professionalism continues to earn global respect.

“I accept this recognition with deep humility,” he said.

“It is also a reminder that Nigerians have the capacity to build institutions, create opportunities and strengthen relationships that extend far beyond our borders. I hope this inspires more young professionals to believe that excellence and service remain the most enduring pathways to global impact.”

He also emphasised the importance of integrity, professionalism and sustained service in building lasting institutions and creating opportunities that benefit communities across nations.

Analysts noted that the growing complexity of global commerce has increased the role of private-sector leaders in complementing traditional diplomacy through trade promotion, investment facilitation and institutional cooperation.

They observed that business executives who successfully connect markets across regions are playing an increasingly important role in advancing economic integration and expanding collaboration between countries.

For many young Nigerians, Onoja’s recognition highlights how professional excellence, perseverance and ethical leadership can attract international recognition while enhancing Nigeria’s global reputation.

Onoja, who has more than 20 years of experience across shipping, distribution, marketing, energy and corporate leadership, has consistently focused on promoting trade, investment and institutional partnerships linking Africa, the Caribbean and the United States.

He currently serves as President of the Guyana Caribbean Chambers of Trade, Commerce and Industry, where he continues to champion initiatives aimed at deepening economic cooperation, facilitating cross-border investment and strengthening relationships among businesses and institutions across the three regions.

Source: This Day