The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network, Oyo State, has urged commercial drivers to prioritise their mental health, warning that prolonged stress, anxiety and emotional exhaustion could adversely affect their wellbeing and productivity.
The organisation made the call during a mental health awareness campaign held at Bodija Motor Park, Ibadan, where it engaged commercial drivers and other transport workers on stress management, emotional resilience and the importance of seeking professional help when overwhelmed.
The outreach, themed “Beyond the Steering: Conversations on Stress, Strength and Mental Wellness,” sought to break the stigma surrounding mental health among commercial drivers and other informal sector workers.
Members of the organisation interacted with drivers through one-on-one and small-group discussions, while distributing more than 100 educational handbills containing information on stress management and mental wellness.
The group observed that commercial drivers are frequently exposed to long working hours, traffic congestion, rising fuel costs and harsh economic realities, all of which could take a toll on their mental health if not properly managed.
Speaking during the campaign, the State Coordinator of YALI Network, Oyo State, Israel Alabi, said the initiative was designed to take mental health education to underserved communities often excluded from public health conversations.
According to him, the organisation remains committed to promoting inclusive community development through its SCALE agenda, ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.
Alabi urged Nigerians to accord mental health the same attention as physical health by speaking openly about emotional challenges and seeking professional support whenever necessary.
He added that taking mental health advocacy beyond hospitals and social media platforms to grassroots communities, including motor parks, would help reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek help without fear of discrimination.
The organisation noted that the campaign forms part of its broader efforts to improve public awareness of mental health issues and promote healthier, more resilient communities across Oyo State.
