VGADA, NSCDC partner on mental health training

The Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to train officers on mental health support.

During a courtesy visit to the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja on Monday, VGADA’s Executive Director, Dr Hope Omeiza, said the partnership would aim to enhance security personnel’s mental well-being.

Omeiza stated that the collaboration would focus on stress management, trauma response, emotional resilience, and psychological first aid to support officers in handling mental health challenges.

He described the MoU as a significant step in fostering a healthier, more resilient security force, essential for maintaining national stability and public safety.

According to him, security personnel face immense psychological pressure in their duties, making this collaboration crucial in equipping them with tools to safeguard their mental health.

“This initiative will provide officers with essential skills to manage stress, respond to trauma, and offer emotional support to individuals in distress,” he added.

Omeiza reaffirmed VGADA’s commitment to mental health awareness and psychosocial support, noting that the NSCDC partnership was a major step toward achieving this goal.

In response, NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, expressed gratitude for VGADA’s dedication to improving the mental well-being of security officers.

Audi, represented by Deputy Commandant General, Mr Adeyinka Fasiu, described the initiative as a “timely intervention” to strengthen emotional resilience and enhance service delivery.

“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to our officers’ welfare, and we remain open to more collaborations that will improve their well-being,” he said.