The Nigerian Medical Association has taken a decisive step to address the silent mental health crisis affecting men across Nigeria and Africa. In partnership with Diatom Impact and the Asido Foundation, the NMA has launched the Men Stay Alive Project, a comprehensive initiative designed to provide crucial support systems for men experiencing emotional distress.
A Response to Alarming Statistics
Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, the First Vice President of NMA, revealed the disturbing reality that prompted this intervention. Men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women, both globally and within Nigeria. This troubling trend reflects deep-seated cultural expectations that pressure men to maintain stoicism even during intense emotional suffering.
"Across Africa, men are breaking—quietly, painfully, and far too often, fatally," Dr. Olowojebutu stated in the official announcement. "In a world that expects them to always be strong as fathers, husbands, and providers, many men are silently battling the crushing weight of failure, betrayal, loss, and financial pressure."
Comprehensive Support Structure
The Men Stay Alive Project will provide multiple avenues for support, including:
- A dedicated mental health hotline connecting men directly to psychiatrists, counselors, and mental health professionals
- Emergency financial assistance for critical needs like school fees or debt relief through structured repayment plans
- A quarterly podcast featuring raw, honest conversations about men's mental health struggles
Dr. Olowojebutu emphasized that "sometimes saving a life begins with a single call and a willingness to listen," highlighting the project's commitment to addressing both psychological and practical challenges.
Personal Inspiration Behind the Initiative
The project draws inspiration from the personal experiences of Diatom Impact founder Dr. Akintoye Akindele, who has chosen to share his own story of "betrayal, loss, and despair" to encourage other men to embrace vulnerability. Dr. Akindele paid tribute to his late father, a retired Central Bank of Nigeria director who lived to 96, noting that his father's philosophy of impactful living continues to guide him.
The initiative also honors the memory of Dr. Akindele's close friend, Akin Shuga, whose unexpected passing underscored the urgent need for mental health intervention. "When we spoke two days before his planned travel to Canada, I didn't know that was goodbye," Dr. Akindele shared emotionally.
The project's inaugural podcast episode is scheduled to premiere on November 16, 2025, featuring veteran broadcaster Mr. Soni Irabor as the first guest speaker. Organizers believe his experience and insight will help deepen the crucial conversation about men's emotional resilience.
Dr. Olowojebutu concluded with a powerful message: "Life is tough, unpredictable, and often unfair. But it is precious. We must appreciate, guard, and live it well in dignity, not pride or ego. No wife should become a widow, no child an orphan, and no man should suffer in silence."
