In a bid to promote emotional wellbeing and strengthen public understanding of mental health, the Funmi Babington-Ashaye Foundation has organised a walkathon in Lagos to raise awareness about early signs of depression, anxiety disorders, and stress-related conditions. The initiative, according to the organisers, aims to build resilience among Nigerians and encourage communities to prioritise mental wellness amid rising economic and social pressures.
Delivering a virtual lecture during the event, psychologist and wellness strategist, Dr Chris Abojei, emphasised the need for early identification of stress triggers before they worsen into more severe emotional challenges. He noted that stress, although a normal aspect of daily life, becomes harmful when it persists unchecked.
“In times like this, with rising economic hardship and insecurity, many people are increasingly exposed to stress,” Abojei said, adding that prolonged emotional strain was now affecting productivity and general stability in many homes and workplaces.
He identified disrupted sleep, loss of interest in once enjoyable activities, severe headaches, heartburn, infertility, rapid breathing, and frequent infections as common symptoms of deteriorating mental health. According to him, recognising these signs early is essential because they often serve as warning signals of deeper emotional distress.
Abojei described resilience as the ability to recover from setbacks and encouraged Nigerians to cultivate mental strength through intentional daily habits. He urged people to relax, play, read enriching materials, spend time with friends, enjoy uplifting music, and laugh often, saying these simple habits significantly improve emotional clarity and balance.
“Resilience is not avoiding pain; it is learning to rise again,” he noted. “When ‘I’ is replaced with ‘we’, illness becomes wellness.”
The psychologist also stressed the importance of seeking help when overwhelmed, advising individuals to talk to someone they trust, reach out during difficult moments, reconnect with family and consider consulting trained counsellors for professional guidance.
Speaking earlier, Mrs Yetunde Faulkner, President of the Funmi Babington-Ashaye Foundation, said the walkathon was part of the organisation’s broader mission to empower women and strengthen families by promoting healthier work–life balance and emotional awareness.
Faulkner explained that while the foundation focuses on supporting women, its overall goal is to improve family structures by helping women recognise and utilise their potential.
“We focus on women as the foundation of families, helping them discover and apply their potential, because empowered women create stronger homes, healthier communities, and better opportunities for everyone they support,” she said.
She added that the foundation mentors women at different career and life stages, enhancing their confidence, resilience, and long-term growth. “A healthy mind brings a healthy body. The foundation will continue to raise awareness and support communities through continuous mental health advocacy.”
The walkathon commenced at the foundation’s office on Norman Williams Street in Ikoyi, with participants moving through Awolowo Road, Alfred Rewane Road, Okotie Eboh and Ribadu Road before returning to the starting point. Volunteers carried placards with key mental health messages, sensitising residents, road users and business owners on the importance of early intervention and maintaining emotional stability.
The event attracted wellness advocates, volunteers, community members and mental health supporters, all united by a shared commitment to fostering a society where emotional resilience is prioritised and mental health conversations are normalised.