Relate Africa Mental Health Conference 2025
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
In a world shaped by constant change, uncertainty, and rising pressure, mental health has become a necessity rather than a personal luxury. The Relate Africa Mental Health Conference 2025 was created in response to this reality. It was designed to equip individuals, professionals, and communities with practical tools to move beyond survival and toward sustainable mental well-being.
On December 19, 2025, Relate Africa hosted the third edition of its Mental Health Conference at The Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi. The event brought together mental health professionals, corporate leaders, advocates, and individuals who understand that mental wellness is no longer optional in today’s world.
The theme, The Psychology of Thriving: Strategies for Resilience and Self-Care , reflected a shared reality. Many people are living in constant survival mode. Pressure has become routine. Burnout is often dismissed as normal. Conversations about mental health exist, but they rarely go far enough to offer practical direction.
This conference was created to shift that pattern. It focused on helping people move from coping to building sustainable mental strength. The goal was not motivation for a day, but understanding and tools that could be applied long after the conference ended.
Photo: Mrs. Bridget Itsueli, Founder & Chairman Relate Africa speaking at the 2025 Mental Health Conference.
The Reality We Are Responding To
Across Nigeria, mental health challenges are widespread and often unspoken. Millions live with untreated mental health conditions. Access to professional care remains limited. Cultural stigma still discourages many from seeking help.
Beyond these barriers lies another issue. Even among those who acknowledge the importance of mental health, there is confusion. Self-care is frequently misunderstood. Resilience is praised but rarely explained in practical terms. People are told to stay strong without being shown how.
Our Intention
Relate Africa designed this conference to answer a direct and urgent question. How do people build resilience and care for their mental health while living in demanding and unpredictable conditions?
The conference brought together professionals who work daily with real mental health challenges. It created space for honest discussion about exhaustion, pressure, and emotional strain. It also offered practical strategies that make sense within Nigerian realities, not idealized wellness narratives that feel out of reach.
The aim was not to fix everything in one day. It was to equip people with skills they could use immediately, connect them to professionals and resources, and reinforce the idea that thriving is not reserved for a few. It is a skill that can be learned.
Photo: Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Director Special Projects & Mental Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health speaking at the 2025 Mental Health Conference
WHO WAS IN THE ROOM
The conference welcomed participants from different sectors and life experiences, including:
• Mental health professionals seeking practical approaches to support clients within local contexts
• Corporate leaders and HR professionals looking to address employee mental well-being beyond policy documents
• Healthcare workers who recognize the connection between physical and psychological health
• Educators and youth workers supporting young people under increasing pressure
• Advocates and NGO professionals integrating mental health into community work
• Individuals committed to understanding and improving their own mental well-being
The diversity in the room reflected the reality of mental health itself. It affects everyone, regardless of profession or background.
Photo: Mrs. Bridget Itsueli with some of the conference attendees
Photo: Attendees taking note during the panel session
THE PANEL DISCUSSION
Mental Health in a Changing World
Keynote Speaker
Oyewo Titilayo, Lead Clinical Psychologist at Olive Prime Treatment Service
Panelists
– Dr Tolu Ajomale, Director of Special Projects and Mental Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health.
– Dr Charles Umeh, Clinical Psychologist, University of Lagos.
– Ifeoma Okoloto (MCIPD), Principal Consultant, Kamare Advisory.
– Michael Ejoor, Actor, Director, Mental Health Advocate.
– Simi Williams, Founder, Beyond Fitness.
Moderator
Ifeoma Finnih, Director, Investment Banking and Mental Health Advocate.
The panel explored how rapid social, economic, and cultural change continues to affect mental well-being. Each panelist spoke from direct experience, offering perspectives from public health systems, clinical practice, corporate environments, advocacy, and wellness.
Discussions addressed workplace pressure, economic uncertainty, social expectations, and the emotional cost of constant adaptation.
Photo: Panelist at the 2025 Mental Health Conference (L-R): Ifeoma Finnih (Director, Investment Banking and Mental Health Advocate), Michael Ejoor (Actor/Producer/ Mental Health Advocate), Ifeoma Okoloto (MCIPD) (Principal Consultant, Kamare Advisory), Simi Williams (Founder, Beyond Fitness), Dr. Charles Umeh (Clinical Psychologist, University of Lagos).
LOOKING AHEAD
The 2025 conference marked the third edition of Relate Africa’s annual mental health gathering. Each year, the focus continues to deepen from awareness to action, from conversation to capability.
The strategies shared, connections formed, and questions raised will continue to influence workplaces, families, and communities. That ongoing effect remains central to the conference’s purpose.
STAY CONNECTED
📞 +234 705 344 3439
📧 info@relateafrica.org
🌐 relateafrica.org
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