Mental health organisations are urging greater investment in therapy access for men in Nigeria, highlighting their higher suicide rates and societal pressures, as discussed at FriendnPal’s ‘Kick for Care’ event

Mental health organisations have called for increased investment in providing access to therapy services to address the mental health needs of men, a demographic often overlooked in public health conversations.

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This crucial appeal was made during ‘Kick for Care’, a charity event organised by the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven mental health firm, FriendnPal, in Lagos. The initiative specifically aimed to raise funds to expand therapy access for men through the medium of sports.

Esther Eruchie, Chief Executive Officer of FriendnPal, represented by Lead Therapist Rachel Ogaji, emphasised the pressing importance of addressing men’s mental health needs, a demographic that is frequently sidelined in public health discussions.

She highlighted that men face significant mental health challenges, yet, regrettably, many do not speak up about their struggles.

Citing statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Eruchie noted that men consistently record the highest rates of suicide each year.

This tragic reality, she explained, is largely due to a lack of robust support systems, pervasive societal pressure to suppress emotional struggles, and the enduring stigma surrounding men expressing vulnerability.

“Men are significantly less likely than women to seek mental health support, despite being at a higher risk for suicide in many parts of the world,” Eruchie stated.

She affirmed that initiatives like Kick for Care are strategically designed to help bridge this critical gap, both by normalising conversations through raising awareness and by offering tangible support options such as funded therapy services.

Sport and fitness exercise were chosen as the platform for this campaign due to their strong ties with male communities and their proven benefits for mental well-being.

Mr Obinna Anyaegbu, Chief Executive Officer of Chisco Transport and Machine Nation, hailed the initiative as a timely intervention in addressing mental health issues.

Anyaegbu stressed that such an inclusive platform encourages open conversation around wellness, anxiety, depression, and suicide – issues too often overlooked.

He further emphasised the direct impact of mental health on workplace safety and performance, particularly within high-responsibility industries like transport.

Anyaegbu also reflected on the shifting societal landscape, pointing to increased isolation among men and the distorting effects of social media as growing challenges to mental well-being.

Aghogho Akporoido, Senior Programme Manager/Head of Flagship at FAITH Foundation, commended the initiative for bringing together stakeholders, young people, and health experts to advocate for meaningful discussions on mental health, promoting wellness through sports and leisure.

Akporoido explained that with mental health concerns rising across Nigeria, particularly among men and young people, initiatives like Kick for Care are part of a growing movement to break stigma and promote mental well-being through inclusive and community-driven efforts.

Kemen Ekerette, Chief Executive Officer of Pure Fitness Africa, described the initiative as a much-needed bridge between physical wellness and mental health, stressing that sustainable mental wellness must inherently include physical activity.