Ahmadu, who is based in the U.S., told Newsmen in Lagos in a telephone interview on Friday that the tour would take place in September 2025,
According to Emmanuel Ahmadu the mental health landscape in Nigeria is deeply troubling, especially for the youths.
“Approximately 30 per cent of Nigerian students are battling severe mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
“The lack of adequate mental health resources coupled with the pervasive stigma, means that many young people are suffering in silence.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, about 75 per cent of individuals with mental health disorders receive no treatment.
“This is particularly alarming given our rapidly growing youth population, who are increasingly vulnerable to the pressures of economic instability, academic stress, and social challenges.
“Without a robust mental health infrastructure, these issues only continue to escalate,” Emmanuel Ahmadu said.
The mental health advocate said that he was motivated by his own experience of having sat for the WASSCE 17 times in more than five years, before eventually gaining admission into a tertiary institution.
He stressed that the solution to the mental health crisis pervading nations lay in a multi-faceted approach.
“This is why I’m leading the ‘Resilience Rise’ tour in September 2025, but starting the first phase in the United States in September 2024 and extending it to Nigeria.
“This initiative is designed to empower students and young adults with the tools and supportive community they need to build resilience against mental health challenges and social vices.
“The Resilience Rise’ tour is more than just an awareness campaign; it’s a collaborative effort involving passionate individuals and mental health professionals, educators, and community leaders in both the U.S. and Nigeria.
“We are inviting private and public stakeholders, including international human services agencies, media, and influencers to join this mission,” he said.
Ahmadu said that the aim of the Resilience Rise’ tour was to create sustainable support systems that reached the grassroots, ensuring that mental health support and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their location.
“The project will also provide training to passionate advocates to help them apply for funds through their organisations to train others and spread this message in reaching out to the seemingly hopeless.
“In addition to in-person engagements, we’re leveraging digital platforms to extend our reach, providing mental health resources, training for educators and direct support to students in even the most remote areas.
“The Resilience Rise initiative is about creating a lasting impact that addresses the root causes of mental health issues, rather than just the symptoms,” he said.
He said that the initiative was poised to make a significant impact on the mental health landscape in Nigeria.
“By targeting high schools, colleges and universities we are reaching young people at a pivotal point in their lives when they are most susceptible to mental health challenges.
“Our goal is to equip these students with the resilience needed to navigate life’s difficulties, whether they are academic pressures, social issues or personal struggles.
“Through the Resilience Rise tour, students will have access to mentorship, mental health resources and a platform to share their stories.
“These personal narratives are powerful tools for breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.
“By hearing from peers who have overcome similar challenges, students are more likely to seek help and develop the emotional intelligence needed to thrive.
“These students will be trained as teens and youth mental health first aiders, certified for three years so they can organise projects like this and receive support from different funding agencies.
“This will also help to enlighten others about hope and give them the resilience not to give up on life,” he said.
Ahmadu added that the tour would be in collaboration with a team of experts, including Coach Tonya Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer of Triumphators LLC, who would bring her extensive experience in trauma recovery.
“Also, Mr Emmanuel Flipps, Founder of “I Create We Create Legacy Works,” who is renowned for his community development initiatives.
“Together, we will deliver a programme that not only addresses mental health but also fosters a sense of community and collective responsibility,” he said.
