Vanguard’s editor Eze Anaba has called for swift, practical measures to confront the growing mental‑health crisis among [Nigeria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria)’s youth, saying that stigma, high treatment costs and the damaging influence of social media are worsening anxiety, depression and substance misuse.
Speaking on Friday at the 4th Vanguard Mental Health Summit in Lagos, themed “Advancing Youth Mental Health in Nigeria,” Anaba stressed that awareness campaigns alone are insufficient and that stakeholders must implement tangible support systems. He noted that many young people still encounter barriers such as unaffordable care, limited service availability and pervasive discrimination.
**What challenges are affecting young Nigerians?**
Anaba highlighted that anxiety, depression, substance use and other mental‑health issues are increasingly common among the nation’s youth. He pointed out that schools, families and communities play a vital role in spotting early signs and linking affected individuals to appropriate help.
**How does social media impact youth wellbeing?**
The editor warned that digital platforms can amplify stress and expose young users to cyberbullying and harmful content. He urged technology companies to tighten safeguards against online abuse and to create safer digital environments.
**What concrete steps does Anaba recommend?**
He called on the government and health agencies, including the [Ministry of Health](https://health.gov.ng), to expand affordable mental‑health services and to ensure that schools and universities have clear counselling and referral pathways. “Action must mean more than good intentions,” Anaba said, urging the establishment of measurable targets, responsible persons and deadlines for implementation. He also pledged that [Vanguard](https://www.vanguardngr.com) will continue to cover youth mental‑health issues through credible reporting, youth voices and follow‑up on commitments made at the summit.
Anaba concluded by challenging participating organisations to identify specific actions and to ask, a year from now, “what changed?”