World Mental Health Day: Tinubu’s wife seeks greater role for patients in policy decisions

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for greater involvement of people with lived experience of mental health conditions in shaping policies, healthcare services and decisions affecting their lives. Tinubu, who made the call in a message commemorating the 2026 World Mental Health Day on Saturday, said the contributions of people living with mental health conditions must go beyond sharing their personal experiences to influencing decisions that affect them. The day is being observed under the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” The First Lady said the knowledge and perspectives of people with lived experience of mental health conditions were invaluable and should be recognised in efforts to improve mental healthcare. According to her, communities must do more to listen to their experiences, challenge stigma and promote accessible, community-based mental health services.