Foundation Steps Up Campaign To Support 10,000 Vulnerable Nigerians

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

The Starburg Empowerment Foundation has set a target of reaching 10,000 vulnerable Nigerians within the next year through programmes addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, mental health challenges and substance abuse.

The foundation also plans to provide rehabilitation and support services to 50 people struggling with substance abuse. However, it says more than N90 million is required to implement the programme.

Founder and President of the foundation, Ambassador Bakare Gloria, disclosed this on Thursday during the official launch of the organisation in Benin City.

She said the initiative was designed to provide vulnerable individuals with access to essential mental health and rehabilitation support while promoting greater awareness of mental health and substance abuse across the country.

Bakare said the organisation was established to restore hope to people facing emotional and psychological challenges and those affected by substance abuse, under its motto: “Breaking stigma, building strength and saving lives.”

She clarified that the 10,000 target represents people the foundation hopes to impact through its various programmes, not those undergoing rehabilitation.

According to her, Starburg currently operates a safe space for vulnerable individuals but does not have its own rehabilitation centre.

She therefore appealed to government agencies, private organisations and international partners for support.

“We cannot do it alone,” she said, announcing plans for a substance-abuse awareness campaign focused on early intervention and connecting affected persons with appropriate support.

Bakare urged people experiencing mental health or substance-use challenges to seek help and reject stigma, stressing that “there is still hope.”

Also speaking, Dr. Bartholomew Okoudu, President of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOS), commended the foundation’s mental health and counselling initiatives and called for greater support through partnerships and collaboration.

For Omodiagbe George, Executive Director of Initiative for the Development of the Next Generation (NextGen), he commended Starburg for its consistent commitment to social development and mental-health advocacy.

He encouraged health-sector stakeholders and social-development organizations in Edo State to partner with Starburg, describing it as a one-stop referral centre for cases requiring support.

George also praised Starburg for collaborating with various stakeholders in the social space and emphasized the importance of collective action and advocacy to amplify awareness of mental-health issues, particularly in connection with World Mental Health Day