In September 2024, during World Suicide Prevention Month, the Asido Foundation launched the Envoys Fellowship through its Youth Directorate. The vision was simple yet urgent: to nurture a generation of young mental health leaders who can stand at the frontlines of suicide prevention, reduce burnout, promote well-being, and create supportive peer communities across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The inaugural ceremony on September 14, 2024, was more than a launch; it was a statement. With the leadership of youth advocates like Dr. Semiloore Atere, Tawakalt Olaoluwa, and Olaoluwaposi Ogunlana, and the guidance of seasoned trainers — including Dr. Jibril Abdulmalik, Founder and CEO of Asido Foundation; Mr. Mohammed Ahmed (Mentor Moh), Director of Youth Mental Health; and the Foundation’s Director of Women’s Mental Health, Dr Gbonjubola Abiri — the Fellowship opened its doors to 50 undergraduate students from Lagos State. These fellows became the first cohort of a bold experiment in peer-driven leadership.
The Fellowship combines physical training and ongoing mentorship spread over six months. From Mental Health First Aid to Psychological First Aid, from suicide prevention strategies to advocacy and self-care, the modules are designed to equip fellows with both knowledge and courage. The training does not end in the classroom. Each fellow is encouraged to take these tools back to campus, to design projects, to notice early signs of distress among peers, and to offer support where silence often reigns.
Even at its inception, the Envoys Fellowship was envisioned as more than a one-off training program. It is a pipeline: a way to continually raise youth leaders who, once trained, will mentor others and create a ripple effect across institutions. The alumni network is expected to grow into a powerful peer-support system that expands Asido Foundation’s reach while ensuring sustainability at the grassroots.
Today, the Fellowship is in its inaugural cycle, with the first 50 undergraduates actively engaging in modules on self-care, suicide prevention, and campus mobilization. The energy is palpable: young people sharing their voices, designing advocacy campaigns, and shifting conversations on their campuses from stigma to support. Already, the ripple effects are visible through peer-led activities across Lagos State’s tertiary institutions.
Fellows now carry practical tools to notice and respond to signs of mental distress, to speak openly about issues that were once taboo, and to advocate for better support systems on their campuses. They are not only learning but also leading. With 50 fellows in the first cohort, the potential reach already stretches across thousands of students, with more to come as alumni networks grow and projects take root.
To learn more or get involved, reach out through the Asido Foundation’s channels.