NAS Aurora Flotilla Champions Mental Health Awareness In Kaduna

By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna

In commemoration of the 2025 World Mental Health Day, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Aurora Flotilla Deck, Kaduna Chapter, brought mental health conversations to the streets with a public lecture and an awareness walk aimed at breaking the stigma and promoting access to care.

Themed “Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” the event held on October 10, 2025, featured mental health experts Dr. Ephraim Asquo and Dr. Nnamdi Eneh, who highlighted the growing impact of crises on psychological well-being.

Addressing participants, Dr. Nnamdi Eneh, Head of Medicals, NAS Aurora Flotilla Deck, noted that the world is grappling with multiple overlapping challenges such as wars, insecurity, economic hardship, and social isolation all of which exacerbate mental health problems globally.

“We must increase awareness and improve access to mental health services.

“Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress are silent epidemics that can no longer be ignored,” Dr. Eneh said.

He urged individuals to prioritize their mental well-being by exercising, eating healthy, resting adequately, maintaining social connections, and seeking professional support when needed.

“There is no health without mental health,” he added, echoing the World Health Organization’s definition of health as complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

The lecture was followed by a road walk on October 11, where NAS members, volunteers, and residents marched from Sabo GRA to Sabo-Tasha Market, interacting with over 8,400 people.

Participants distributed educational materials and engaged community members on recognizing signs of mental distress and where to seek help.

The awareness campaign, accompanied by drummers and placards carrying messages of hope and resilience, drew attention from traders, commuters, and passersby, many of whom joined the conversation.

According to the NAS Aurora Flotilla leadership, the initiative aligns with the organization’s humanitarian vision of fostering healthier, more inclusive communities.

“Mental health is everyone’s business. Our goal is to keep the conversation going and ensure that help is within reach for anyone who needs it,” Dr. Eneh emphasized.

Globally, nearly one billion people live with mental health conditions, making advocacy and early intervention critical for community well-being.