Brand Spark was delighted to partner with Nigerian telepsychiatry platform Mindsplace to host its second annual World Mental Health Day Awakening Summit on 10 October in a fully virtual experience.
Themed ‘UNITE25: Communities Supporting Wellbeing in Crisis and Beyond,’ the summit drew nearly 2,000 participants and showcased how technology can catalyse mental health awareness and community resilience.
Mindsplace, known for its digital-first approach to mental wellness, streamed the summit live and facilitated Q&A sessions, sharing information in real time.
Advocacy for Mental Health
From moderating the panel discussion at the inaugural event in 2024, this year, our founder, Efe Obiomah, played a more important role as one of the speakers, while Brand Spark managed publicity for the second consecutive year.
Efe explored the intersection of faith and mental health, advocating for compassion and storytelling as a path to healing. And other keynote speakers, Mary Ayuba, a mental health advocate, addressed the challenges of stigmatisation and the role of media in shaping public perception about mental illness, while Victor Emaye, CEO of Chekker Health, shared data-driven insights, emphasising the role of digital peer support networks in empowering individuals through shared experiences.
Language, Support, and the Ecosystem
Summit convener Ms Eniola Bello, while urging Nigerians to adopt precise language when seeking support, highlighted the mental health classification, outlining four tiers of mental health status, ranging from well-being to mental distress, mental health problems, and mental illness.
“If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to use the right language so that you can receive appropriate support,” she said.
Ms Bello stressed the role of health insurance companies in providing referrals and support. Noting that “substance abuse is a chronic mental health issue,” she advised rehabilitation for those diagnosed with substance use disorder. She also acknowledged the shortage of government-owned rehabilitation centres, calling on health insurance companies to provide support to increase access to private rehabilitation centres, which are expensive.
The event concluded with a panel moderated by Modupe Ogungbe, where speakers discussed the future of Nigeria’s mental health ecosystem. Topics included scalable digital interventions, diagnostics, and community-driven support models.
Mindsplace’s Vision: Tech for Collective Healing
By hosting the summit virtually, Mindsplace demonstrated how healthtech can democratise access to mental health education and support. The company continues to build tools that bridge clinical care with community engagement, reinforcing its mission to normalise mental health conversations through innovation.
