Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, has urged Nigerians to give greater attention to mental health awareness, stressing that emotional well-being is just as vital as physical health.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Online on Sunday, Ikedieze said mental health challenges affect both men and women, noting that many people silently battle emotional and environmental pressures.
“We can’t take away mental health challenges from men and women. Either it’s issues from family or it’s personal battles within yourself as a result of the kind of environment you find yourself,” he said.
The veteran actor emphasised that discipline and self-control play key roles in maintaining emotional balance. He encouraged individuals to speak out and seek help from the appropriate bodies to reduce pressure on their mental health.
Ikedieze revealed that he recently attended a mental health conference in Namibia, organised by Echoes Africa Initiatives, a New York-based charity organisation. He described the event as an eye-opener that deepened his understanding of emotional discipline and self-awareness.
“The awareness has really made me understand the craziest side of life, especially in the areas we most often neglect. It was my first time witnessing people, victims, and experts who took us through their ordeal and how solutions were proffered,” he said.
Encouraging Nigerians to engage in more open conversations about mental health, Ikedieze said platforms such as workshops, conferences, and movies could help spread awareness.
“Feed your mind with positivity. And please, do whatever makes you happy. Life has no duplicate!” he advised.
In recent years, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicide have become more prominent in Nigeria, especially among young people and public figures. Experts have repeatedly warned that poor awareness and limited access to mental health care remain key barriers to solving the crisis.
Other celebrities have also joined the advocacy. Nigerian singer Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, popularly known as Iyanya, recently urged fans to show empathy towards public figures, reminding them that fame does not shield anyone from emotional struggles.
“We need to understand that celebs are humans with deep feelings and struggles like everyone else. Beyond the media glamorisation of their lives is a human simply asking to be understood,” Iyanya wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Ikedieze’s call adds to the growing push among Nigerian entertainers to break the stigma surrounding mental health and promote compassion, understanding, and emotional support in society.
