Kano to Host Inaugural National Sports Mental Health Summit

Kano State is gearing up to host the first-ever National Sports Mental Health Dialogue, a groundbreaking event organized by FreIvan in collaboration with the Sports Without Borders Development Association.

Joseph Andishu, the Country Director of FreIvan Services, announced that this dialogue will bring together key figures from various sports disciplines across Nigeria.

Speaking to sports journalists at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, Andishu emphasized the significance of this dialogue as an initial step towards establishing a culture that prioritizes mental well-being within Nigeria’s sports community.

“Sports mental health is a pressing concern that Nigeria must not overlook. It’s crucial that we focus on the mental health of our athletes and support staff at all levels,” Andishu stressed.

He continued, “Nigeria should initiate the process of training qualified sports mental health practitioners to tap into the benefits enjoyed by the global sports industry.”

The one-day Sports Mental Health Dialogue, scheduled for September 30th in Kano, will unite influential stakeholders from diverse sports backgrounds across the nation. The outcome of this dialogue is expected to pave the way for a national strategy on sports mental health in Nigeria, addressing essential issues within the sports sector.

Andishu shared, “We’ve engaged extensively with sports industry stakeholders in Nigeria, and the response has been positive. The results of the Kano dialogue on September 30th will guide our future actions. Notably, we plan to select 20 individuals for specialized training in sports mental health.”

These trained individuals will earn international certification as sports mental health first aid providers, contributing significantly to the development and promotion of sports in Nigeria.

Andishu underscored that the mental well-being of Nigerian athletes and the provision of high-quality mental health services for athletes, coaches, fans, referees, and sports journalists are pivotal to the growth of Nigeria’s sports sector.