New initiative calls for urgent attention to children’s mental health

My Child’s Psyche Initiative (MCPI) on Thursday launched its flagship programme in Abuja with a call for sustained national attention to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of Nigerian children.

The event, held alongside the maiden ultimate caregiver enlightenment symposium and the unveiling of a new children-focused book, brought together child development advocates, medical experts, educators and caregivers.

Founded by Chyna Clifford, a child development advocate and illustrator, MCPI seeks to promote emotional intelligence, psychological resilience and holistic growth among children — a space she says has long remained overlooked despite repeated concerns raised by professionals.

Speaking at the launch, Clifford said the initiative was inspired by years of observing how children’s emotional expressions are routinely dismissed or misunderstood in homes, schools and broader society.

“This initiative began with a simple realisation that every child carries a world within them filled with fears, worries, concerns, wonder, dreams, anxieties and immense potential,” she said.

“Yet far too often, this inner world goes unheard. Their voices get drowned out by the noise of society; emotions are overlooked and questions go unanswered.”

Clifford said MCPI aims to bridge the persistent gap between psychology and parenting by equipping caregivers with knowledge and tools that can reinforce children’s emotional and behavioural development.

According to her, the country’s future is closely tied to how well caregivers and institutions understand the psychological needs of children.

“We must create environments in schools, at home and within our communities where children are encouraged to speak up and express themselves,” she said.

“If we are serious about raising a generation of emotionally intelligent, morally grounded and socially responsible leaders, we must first understand the intricacy of a child’s mind.”

Clifford noted that investing in emotional intelligence among children will have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s long-term social and developmental outcomes.

“If we heal the psyche of the child, we heal the future of the nation,” she added.

Medical experts at the launch also emphasised the urgent need for evidence-based child mental health interventions.

Adaobi Okeke, a neurologist at the National Hospital, highlighted challenges shaping the rising prevalence of autism in Nigeria, including poor data, limited diagnostic capacity and inadequate funding for research.

“We can’t use results from outside the country for our own population. We need our own research,” she said, noting that proper data collection would help policymakers design appropriate interventions.

In her remarks, Mariam Tukur-Shagaya, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, addressed the emotional wellbeing of mothers and its direct link to child development.

She said postpartum depression remains insufficiently understood and poorly addressed, urging stronger support systems for women after childbirth.

“Spouses play a crucial role in ensuring the wellbeing of both mother and child,” she said, adding that early intervention can prevent long-term harm to families.