Trauma must not define girls' future, Ikpeazu, Bishop Darko, Shaffy Bello tell Nigerians By Samuel Torlumun

Mental health advocates, policymakers, faith leaders and entertainers have called for a coordinated national response to the growing burden of trauma among girls and young people, stressing that healing requires stronger child protection policies, accessible mental health services and supportive communities.

The call was made at the 2026 Annual Conference and Book Launch of ME Foundation in Abuja, where former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Australian-Ghanaian cleric Bishop Sam Darko, actress Shaffy Bello and other stakeholders urged survivors to embrace healing and reject the stigma surrounding emotional trauma.

Participants at event  

The conference, themed "Dealing with Trauma," attracted students from tertiary institutions across the country and featured capacity-building sessions, scholarship awards, empowerment programmes, grants and the launch of From Trauma to Triumph, a memoir by the Foundation's President, Dr. Vivian Victor.

Delivering the keynote as Special Guest of Honour, Ikpeazu said addressing trauma among children, particularly girls, demands a collective commitment from families, schools, governments and mental health professionals.

He called for stricter enforcement of laws against child abuse, rape and child labour, while advocating increased access to psychologists and professional therapists to support survivors.

According to him, schools should provide basic amenities such as water and electricity to reduce the risks girls face when forced to seek such necessities outside school premises. He also advocated abolishing corporal punishment in secondary schools as part of broader child protection reforms.

Bishop Sam Darko described trauma as an unexpected life experience that should never determine a person's destiny.

He urged survivors to acknowledge their pain, seek professional help and embrace faith as part of the healing process.

"What matters is not that trauma happened, but how you rise above it. Turn your trauma into a success story. Don't suffer in silence—seek help," he said.

Guest Speaker, Barr. Sam Hart, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, said trauma should never become anyone's identity, noting that healing thrives in safe and supportive communities.

He observed that while painful experiences may leave lasting memories, survivors possess the resilience to rebuild their lives through openness, support and professional care.

Award-winning actress and humanitarian Shaffy Bello challenged survivors to transform painful experiences into purpose, warning that unresolved trauma often affects families and relationships across generations.

She encouraged victims to practise self-compassion, forgiveness and personal growth, urging them to allow their painful experiences inspire positive change.

Earlier, ME Foundation President, Dr. Vivian Victor, described the gathering as a platform bringing together survivors, professionals, parents and community leaders committed to restoring hope and emotional healing.

She said the conference theme reflected the widespread but often ignored reality of trauma across all ages, genders and social backgrounds in Africa.

According to her, the Foundation has empowered many young women through counselling, mentorship and skills development, helping them regain confidence and rediscover purpose.

Dr. Victor described her newly launched memoir, From Trauma to Triumph, as a personal account intended to serve as a practical guide for people seeking healing, restoration and hope.

The conference ended with renewed calls for stronger child protection measures, increased investment in mental health services and sustained collaboration to help survivors overcome trauma and rebuild their lives.