SURPIN Conference Unites Youth and Experts to Drive Mental Health Advocacy and Suicide Prevention”

The Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN) recently held its virtual National Conference, bringing together stakeholders under the theme “Research as a Tool for Promoting Future Mental Wellbeing among the Youth.” Gathering experts, advocates, students, and organizational representatives, the conference showcased the potential of research in advancing mental health and preventing suicide among young people.

A highlight of the event was presentations from winners of SURPIN’s 2022 National Research Competition, where secondary and tertiary students shared research that emphasized mental health’s role in nation-building. This youth-led initiative exemplified SURPIN’s commitment to empowering young voices and actively involving them in promoting mental health awareness.

In her opening address, SURPIN President Dr. Arit Esangbedo set the stage by connecting the conference’s theme to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)’s 2024-2026 focus on “Changing the Narrative on Suicide Prevention.” Dr. Esangbedo reflected on SURPIN’s work since its founding in 2017, highlighting its steady dedication to saving lives through education, support, and community-building.

The conference Chairperson officially opened the event with an address underscoring the heavy toll of suicide in Nigeria, where approximately 7 in every 100,000 people are affected. She emphasized that suicide is preventable, calling for action to address stigma, which often hinders access to care for those in need. Her remarks emphasized the importance of unified efforts to eliminate stigma and tackle contributing factors to mental health struggles.

Prominent officials, including Lagos State’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, praised SURPIN’s achievements and the importance of research in guiding tailored mental health interventions for Nigerian communities. He reaffirmed Lagos State’s ongoing support for SURPIN’s mission, stressing that research is a critical foundation for effective mental health services.

The Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Olatubosun Alake, further commended SURPIN for its dedication to mental health and suicide prevention, highlighting the role of social responsibility and youth engagement in building a mentally healthy society. His remarks called on young people to be active contributors to mental health awareness and advocacy.

During the conference, Prof. Jude Ohaeri, a respected psychiatrist, delivered a lecture on the role of research in countering stigma, misinformation, and superstitions about mental health. He emphasized the importance of scientific rigor, ethical inquiry, and the wide-reaching impact of research.

Closing the conference, SURPIN Founder Dr. Raphael Ogbolu announced an upcoming strategy meeting to expand suicide prevention approaches, including “postvention,” or supportive measures for individuals impacted by suicide. He reinforced SURPIN’s dedication to holistic, collaborative efforts to advance mental health and suicide prevention across Nigeria.

At the conference, a set of key recommendations was shared, underscoring that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility and remains a critical health issue both globally and nationally. SURPIN continues to lead as the country’s most structured organization dedicated to suicide prevention, and its life-saving hotlines are a testament to the organization’s impact.

The recommendations also highlighted the untapped potential of young people in mental health research, stressing that early involvement in research can yield innovative insights. Furthermore, the conference noted a need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, both within the country and across regions, to address suicide more effectively. Improved cooperation among sectors, enhanced sharing of knowledge, and a review of existing school mental health programs were cited as essential steps in strengthening prevention efforts. With the current brain-drain, there is also an opportunity to leverage the expertise of mental health professionals in the diaspora through virtual collaboration.

To operationalize these recommendations, SURPIN will soon host a stakeholder meeting to develop a more coordinated suicide prevention strategy. This meeting aims to drive forward intelligence-sharing, expand multi-sector collaboration, and strengthen the nation’s overall mental health infrastructure.

SURPIN extends its sincere gratitude to all participants and organizations for their contributions to this conference, marking a collective step forward in building a robust response to suicide prevention.

The conference ended with a call to action for stakeholders to work collectively in creating a supportive, stigma-free environment for mental wellness and resilience.