Njideka Obiokwu

A Nigerian mental health advocate who founded the Coalition for Dialogue on Mental Health, working to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health services in Africa.

Njideka Obiokwu is a groundbreaking mental health advocate from Nigeria, renowned for founding the Coalition for Dialogue on Mental Health (CDMH) in 2015. Her work has revolutionized mental health awareness across Africa by challenging cultural stigmas and advocating for policy changes. Born in Lagos in 1985, Obiokwu’s early exposure to mental health challenges within her community ignited her passion for advocacy. She studied psychology at Harvard University and later returned to Nigeria to address systemic gaps in mental health care.

CDMH has spearheaded initiatives such as the Africa Mental Health Policy Framework, collaborating with governments and NGOs to integrate mental health into national healthcare systems. The organization’s 'Speak Up Africa' campaign reached over 5 million people through social media and community workshops, fostering open conversations about mental illness. Obiokwu’s 2018 TED Talk, "Let's Talk About Mental Health in Africa", further amplified global awareness.

Her partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) led to the Atlas of Mental Health Resources in Africa, a landmark report highlighting resource disparities. Obiokwu also pioneered mobile mental health services via SMS platforms, reaching remote areas in Nigeria and Kenya. In 2020, she co-founded the African Mental Health Institute, providing training for healthcare professionals. Her efforts contributed to Nigeria’s 2021 Mental Health Act, the first comprehensive legislation addressing mental health in over 50 years.