Asido Foundation Appoints Olowola Chairperson To Deepen Mental Health Advocacy

The Asido Foundation, the leading non-profit organisation committed to mental health advocacy in Nigeria, proudly announces the appointment of Meka Niyi Olowola as its new Chairperson. The appointment was made during a Board Meet­ing held on September 4, 2024, marking a new chapter in the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to transform mental health care across the country.

Mr Olowola, a renowned branding expert, sustainabili­ty advocate, and erstwhile Vice Chairman of the Foundation, assumes this critical leadership role, succeeding Alhaji Mas­hood Yusuf, who has served the Foundation with distinction. Mr Olowola’s deep commit­ment to mental health advoca­cy and his extensive experience in public relations, advertising, and corporate social responsi­bility make him an ideal leader for this crucial mission.

Other Board members in­clude Prof. Taiwo I. Sheikh, Professor of Psychiatry at ABU Zaria; Prof. Cheluchi Onye­melukwe, Professor of Law; Dr. Omotola Abdulmalik, a respect­ed university lecturer and phy­sician; Prof. Ibrahim W. Abdu, CMD of the Federal Neuropsy­chiatric Hospital in Maidugu­ri; Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare, an award-winning author and communications expert; Arc. Biodun Fadayomi, a leading architect; Mr Babatunde Aina, a retired United Nations career officer; Mr Usman Abdulmalik, a retired banker; and Dr Zach­eaus Olofin, a Pharmaceutical manager and Lecturer.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Olowola expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the board and all stakeholders for entrusting him with this role. “The Asi­do Foundation is more than an organisation; it is a move­ment—a beacon of hope in the often-overlooked realm of men­tal health in Nigeria. We have made remarkable strides, but our journey is far from over,” Olowola stated.

“As Chairperson, I am ded­icated to building upon the successful foundation laid by the outgoing Chairman and ensuring that we continue to advocate for accessible and high-quality mental health ser­vices for all Nigerians. Togeth­er, we can challenge stigma, push for increased support and resources, and foster open dis­cussions about mental health.”

Olowola emphasised the importance of collective ac­tion in addressing Nigeria’s mental health challenges, not­ing the alarming statistics from the World Health Organisation that 25-30% of Nigerians expe­rience mental health condi­tions during their lifetime, yet over 80% do not receive the care they need.