The Executive Director of the Yambam-Kabati African Foundation, Kabati Emmanuel Ishaya, has called on Nigerians to end the stigma against persons with psychological disabilities. Ishaya emphasized that timely support, treatment, and community acceptance can help affected individuals rebuild their lives. This appeal was made during a community awareness dialogue on ending stigma and promoting the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with psychological disabilities in Masaka, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The awareness programme was organised in collaboration with a coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), including Suomi Finland, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, Join National Association of Persons With Disability (JONAPWD), and Inclusive Friends Association (IFA). Ishaya revealed that his passion for advocacy stemmed from his personal experience with mental health challenges following an early marriage and his first pregnancy, a period he described as marked by severe emotional distress, financial hardship, and social misunderstanding.
Ishaya's experience showed that mental health challenges could affect anyone, regardless of financial status. He noted that emotional and psychological wellbeing should receive the same attention as physical health. Before securing funding for formal projects, Ishaya had already begun mobilising women in communities around Masaka and Nyanya, where he organised awareness sessions and skills training aimed at improving livelihoods.
The Yambam-Kabati African Foundation had trained women in fish farming and poultry production, while philanthropists had supported some beneficiaries with start-up resources to establish small businesses. Several of the women had become more financially independent through the initiative, reducing their reliance on their spouses for household income. Ishaya also warned young people against the lure of “miracle money”, stressing that knowledge and practical skills remain more sustainable pathways to economic empowerment.
Addressing widespread misconceptions about mental illness, Ishaya rejected the belief that people with psychological disabilities could no longer contribute meaningfully to society. He said individuals living with mental health conditions could work, marry, run businesses, and participate fully in community life when given appropriate care and support. Ishaya urged families not to abandon relatives experiencing mental health challenges, insisting that treatment was worthwhile and could transform lives.
Saadatu Usman, of the JONAPWD, also spoke during the event, urging participants to always look out for each other. According to her, a problem shared with a trusted friend could easily be solved before it gets out of hands. The awareness dialogue brought together community members in Masaka to promote understanding of psychological disabilities and encourage respect for the rights and dignity of affected persons.
The organisation intends to expand vocational training for women in different trades while strengthening partnerships with philanthropists and other stakeholders to support beneficiaries with business start-up assistance and mentorship. Ishaya called for greater community involvement in promoting inclusion and compassion, arguing that even simple acts of kindness could make a significant difference in the lives of people facing psychological distress.
Key points
- Kabati Emmanuel Ishaya urges Nigerians to end stigma against persons with psychological disabilities.
- Yambam-Kabati African Foundation provides health education and support to people living with mental health conditions.
- Ishaya rejects the belief that people with psychological disabilities cannot contribute meaningfully to society.
