The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, fMHR, and his wife, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Oluwatoyin Hunpe, today received the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in Badagry for the commemoration of the 2026 World Mental Health Day.

The event held at the Badagry City Hall under the theme “Lived Experiences Shared: Real Voices, Real Changes,” brought together stakeholders to raise awareness of mental health and promote a better understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families.

In her keynote address, the First Lady stressed the importance of creating safe spaces where people can speak openly about their mental health experiences. She urged families and communities to listen, show empathy and support those going through emotional or psychological difficulties, while also seeking professional help when necessary.

She noted that sharing lived experiences helps break the silence and stigma that keep people from seeking help early. Mental health challenges, she said, are not a sign of weakness but a human reality affecting people of all ages and walks of life, and addressing them requires a collective effort from the home, the community and the health system.

Speaking earlier while delivering the goodwill message, Hon. Hunpe described mental health as an essential part of overall wellbeing and called for stronger awareness and support at the grassroots. He urged families, religious institutions, schools and other community stakeholders to watch for early warning signs and foster an environment where people can seek help without fear of stigma.

Hon. Hunpe noted that early attention, compassion and community-based support can prevent minor emotional struggles from escalating into serious crises. He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote mental health awareness and care across Badagry, and urged residents to look out for one another.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Laja Odunuga of the Orunsii WellCare Foundation noted that difficult life experiences and unmet expectations can lead to emotional distress and depression, and urged people to watch for changes in behaviour and offer support. He said the foundation, established after the COVID-19 pandemic, now supports patients across 15 hospitals while promoting mental health awareness and environmental sustainability.

The facilitators, Mr. Akinyemi Folorunsho Smith and Mrs. Modinat Ọladosu, also spoke on emotional wellbeing, identifying warning signs and the importance of family and community support in addressing mental health challenges.

The programme gave stakeholders an opportunity to share experiences, promote open conversations and encourage a more supportive approach to mental health within families and communities.