The Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay (JAME) competition is an essay competition centered on a topical mental health issue, organized annually by the Asido Foundation for undergraduate students of Nigerian tertiary institutions in memory of Miss Jemila Abubakar, the organization's pioneer program manager, who passed away in July 2020 after a brief illness.
She lived an exemplary life of service to humanity, having suffered a tragic accident during her NYSC year which subsequently confined her to a wheelchair. But she was a very positive, optimistic personality with an ever-constant smile on her face always. She was selfless in her service to others and was deeply passionate about empathy and promoting mental health awareness in our society. She channeled her inner pain and traumatic experience into inspiration to help others who may be similarly going through pain and trauma. This ability to transcend her challenges and give freely of herself to others, is a critical reason why she has been immortalized via the JAME competition to inspire students across the country.
The competition supports one of the core values of Asido Foundation, Youth Mental Health, and is intended to improve Nigerian youths' mental health awareness and knowledge, as well as empower them to become mental health advocates via a year-long mentorship program for the top fifteen winners.
Since its inception, about two thousand five hundred (2,500) entries have been received from various tertiary institutions across all thirty-six (36) Nigerian states, and winners awarded cash prizes. All winners were presented with award plaques and selected for a mental health fellowship. Specifically, the overall winner received an award of ₦200,000, the second position, ₦150,000 and the third position, ₦100,000 only.
The Asido Foundation is a leading not-for-profit mental health advocacy organization that seeks to promote better understanding and awareness around mental health issues in Nigeria and across Africa. It envisions a society where everyone can enjoy optimal mental health regardless of age, gender, socio-economic status, religious creed, or ethnicity.
Why is Mental Health Awareness Promotion Important?
Mental health problems, suicide and drug abuse are increasing globally, and in Nigeria, with an estimated 1 in every 4 persons at risk of developing a mental health problem during their lifetime. For Nigeria, that implies that 50 million Nigerians are at risk. And if an average family has four members, then every family has at least 1 member at risk.
Yet there is a lot of ignorance, shame, stigma and misunderstanding around mental ill-health in our society. Most affected persons in our communities do not receive quality mental health care. They are more likely to be hidden away, chained, or taken to places where they will be physically, emotionally, and sometimes sexually abused. There should be no more shame and stigma for mental disorders, the same way there is no shame or stigma with having a fracture or hypertension.
About the Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay (JAME) 2024 Award Ceremony
This year's event was graced with distinguished dignitaries from all sectors of society in attendance, and it was chaired by Professor Babatunde L. Salako, FAS, the Director General of the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). In his opening remarks, Prof. Salako stated that concerted efforts are needed to deal with the rising cases of mental health challenges in Nigeria. He lauded the efforts of the Asido Foundation and committed to supporting the cause of the Foundation while also encouraging everyone present to support the work of the Foundation.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, FAS, was ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof. Aderonke Baiyeroju, who affirmed that the University of Ibadan has established a Committee for Student Mental Health and is committed to the emotional wellbeing of all students and staff of the University of Ibadan. Hon. Seyi Adisa delivered the keynote speech where he emphasized the role of mentoring and empowerment to promote youth mental health as a worthy investment in the leaders of the future (our youth).
Several distinguished guests were honored in a special investiture ceremony as Special Ambassadors for Mental Health by the Asido Foundation and they included a former Minister of Health, Prof. Adenike Grange; Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf; Prof. Aderemi Raji-Oyelade; Prof. Olutoyin Ogunkunle; and Mental Health Ambassadors – Dr. Zahra Parker; Mr. Lanre Adisa; and Dr. Chinonso F. Egemba (Aproko Doctor). Newly decorated Patrons included Prof. Mojisola Atalabi; Dr. Austin Okogun; Dr. Adekunle J. Lawal; Dr. Babatunde Babasanya; and Dr. Ibrahim Adeniyi Olaifa.
The Founder and CEO of Asido Foundation, Dr. Jibril Abdulmalik expressed optimism that mental health awareness will continue to grow and encouraged all Nigerians to show empathy, love, and understanding towards affected persons and their families. He decried the pervasive shame, stigma, and discrimination that remain common in our society.
Other dignitaries in attendance include the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnership, Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose, SAN; the Deputy Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. F.A. Adeniyi; Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Prof. G.R.E. Ana.
Dr. Jibril Abdulmalik
Tribune Article for the column "Your Mental Health & You"
Thursday, 29th February 2024
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