The Editor of Vanguard, Eze Anaba, has emphasized the pressing need for immediate action to combat mental health challenges faced by young Nigerians. Speaking at the 4th Vanguard Mental Health Summit held in Lagos, Anaba highlighted that stigma, limited access to mental health care, and the adverse effects of social media are significant barriers to the wellbeing of youth in Nigeria.

During the summit, themed "Advancing Youth Mental Health in Nigeria," Anaba urged stakeholders to move beyond mere awareness campaigns and implement practical measures to support the mental health of young people. He pointed out that issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are increasingly affecting the youth, while many still encounter obstacles like the high cost of treatment and inadequate mental health services.

Anaba stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment where young individuals can seek help without the fear of discrimination or judgment. He noted that families, schools, and communities play crucial roles in recognizing mental health issues and connecting those in need with appropriate support services.

The impact of technology and social media on youth mental health was also a focal point of Anaba's address. He called on technology platforms to enhance measures against cyberbullying and harmful online content, emphasizing that efforts to improve youth mental health must include safeguarding young people from avoidable harm in digital environments.

"Action must mean more than good intentions," Anaba stated, urging government agencies and health institutions to expand affordable mental health services. He called for schools and universities to establish clear counseling and referral systems to assist students effectively.

In addition, Anaba highlighted the necessity for greater public awareness regarding mental health warning signs and available support services, stressing that early access to appropriate assistance is crucial for young people.

Vanguard, according to Anaba, will continue its commitment to covering youth mental health issues through credible reporting and by amplifying the voices of young individuals. He challenged organizations participating in the summit to identify specific actions, assign responsible persons for implementation, and set deadlines to achieve measurable results.

"A year from today, we should be able to ask a simple question: what changed?" Anaba concluded, urging all stakeholders to take tangible steps towards improving the mental health landscape for Nigerian youth.