Michael Aina Olanrenwaju (MAOLA) Foundation Champions Mental Health Awareness and Well-being in Underserved Communities

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

MAOLA Foundation is strengthening its commitment to promoting mental health awareness and well-being in underserved communities. Through targeted outreach programs, the foundation is working to dismantle stigma, provide direct support, and advocate for the integration of mental health initiatives into broader community development efforts.

A recent sensitization program in Angwa Yellow, Apo Resettlement, Abuja, organized by Maola Foundation, focused on educating individuals about the psychological and emotional challenges arising from financial hardship, social stigma and limited access to essential services. The initiative aimed to highlight how these factors contribute to mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and overall emotional distress.

Speaking at the event, MAOLA Foundation’s General Secretary and Human Resource Manager, Precious Abamba, underscored the necessity of prioritizing mental health education and support structures within vulnerable communities.

Mental health is often overlooked, particularly in underserved areas where it is not recognized as an essential component of overall well-being. Our objective is to equip individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to manage their mental health with dignity, resilience, and confidence, Abamba stated.

As part of its broader commitment to fostering psychological well-being, MAOLA Foundation is implementing direct interventions aimed at providing counseling, community support networks, and sustainable mental health solutions. By establishing accessible counseling booths staffed by trained professionals, the foundation is creating safe spaces for individuals to seek guidance and emotional support. Additionally, a dedicated helpline will be introduced to ensure that mental health assistance is available remotely, further bridging the gap in access to care.

Beyond direct community engagement, MAOLA Foundation is advocating for systemic change by calling on government agencies, policymakers, and health organizations to prioritize mental health in public policy frameworks. The foundation emphasizes the need for sustainable interventions that address not only clinical mental health conditions but also the everyday stressors that contribute to emotional and psychological burdens.

The discourse around mental health must extend beyond severe psychiatric conditions. It must encompass the daily challenges that impact mental well-being; stress, financial instability, social exclusion and lack of access to basic necessities, Abamba emphasized. We remain committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Looking ahead, MAOLA Foundation plans to establish community led mental wellness centers, where educational programs, professional counseling services, and peer support groups will be readily available. Over the next three months, the foundation will conduct a structured impact assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of its interventions and refine its strategies for sustained impact.

As part of its holistic approach to mental well-being, MAOLA Foundation also recognizes the impact of menstrual health on psychological resilience. Through its partnership initiative, the foundation continues to support sustainable menstrual hygiene programs, ensuring that individuals have access to essential sanitary products, thus alleviating financial strain and enhancing overall well-being.