From Rashidat Suleiman,Minna
Dr Aisha Wakaso, Special Adviser on Print Media to the Niger State Governor and founder of the Kings Initiative, has encouraged women in Niger State to prioritise their mental health, build emotional resilience and adopt practical coping strategies to manage life’s challenges.
Wakaso gave the advice during a fitness and mental health awareness programme held at the Bahago Sports Complex, Minna, to commemorate the 2026 World Mental Health Day. The event attracted about 200 women from different walks of life and featured two exercise sessions led by three acrobatic instructors, a mental health talk, dancing and networking.
The veteran journalist and mental health advocate said the initiative was inspired by her personal experiences with mental health challenges and the numerous messages she receives from women struggling with economic, psychological and physical pressures.
She explained that the programme was designed to create a supportive environment where women could openly discuss their experiences, learn coping mechanisms and find encouragement in the shared experiences of others.
Sharing her personal journey, Wakaso disclosed that she had faced moments of severe emotional distress but chose to keep living, urging participants not to allow difficult circumstances or fear of public judgment to define their lives.
“Most times when I look at all of you, I notice that you are afraid. You don’t want to be judged and you don’t want to fail, but failure is part of growth,” she said.
She stressed that no situation was worth losing one’s life over, encouraging women to recognise their value, embrace personal growth and seek healthier ways to navigate difficult experiences.
Wakaso also highlighted the importance of setting emotional boundaries, refusing to allow others to determine one’s self-worth and incorporating physical exercise and spiritual practices into daily routines.
According to her, morning walks followed by prayers have helped her regain emotional strength, while encouraging participants to choose peace, happiness and positive approaches to life.
She noted that challenges such as failed relationships and marriages, family disagreements and fear of failure were common experiences that should not be sources of shame.
“I expect that women are able to put their lives together and then manage their lives and cope through the stress that we face as women,” she said.
Responding to requests from participants for more frequent engagements, Wakaso acknowledged that weekly meetings could be difficult due to work schedules but disclosed that she was considering monthly or quarterly sessions to sustain the support network.
Since organising mental health awareness walks in Minna in 2021, Wakaso has continued to advocate improved mental health services, including trauma centres, private wards that protect patients’ dignity and measures to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health conditions.
Through the Kings Initiative and her public advocacy, she has continued to promote both institutional support and practical approaches to emotional well-being, particularly among women.
The programme underscored the importance of physical activity, open conversations, spiritual grounding and social connections in supporting mental well-being, while providing participants with an opportunity to learn, interact and share experiences.