First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to move beyond merely discussing mental health challenges and ensure that people living with such conditions have a meaningful voice in decisions concerning their care.

She made the appeal in a statement commemorating World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10, 2026, observed under the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

According to the First Lady, individuals who have experienced mental health conditions possess important insights that can help shape effective healthcare policies, improve services and address the challenges they face.

She emphasised that their contributions should not end with sharing personal stories but must translate into practical changes in policies and decisions affecting their well-being.

Tinubu also urged communities to create an environment where people experiencing mental health difficulties can speak openly without fear of discrimination, judgment or exclusion.

She stressed the need to challenge negative perceptions surrounding mental health while expanding access to community-based care that prioritises the rights, dignity and individual needs of patients.

The First Lady’s message highlights the importance of involving people with lived experience in developing mental health programmes, ensuring that interventions reflect their actual needs rather than assumptions made by others.

World Mental Health Day is marked annually on October 10 to raise public awareness of mental health issues and encourage collective action to improve mental well-being.