From John Silas, Lagos
The Denny Social Welfare Hub has launched a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support programme for returning migrants in Nigeria, assuring participants that “all hope is not lost” as government and partners work to help them reintegrate and rebuild their lives.
Speaking at the commencement of the programme, Sw. Abosede Mary Otukpe MISHD Executive Director of Denny Social Welfare Hub DSWHUB said the initiative is part of the global Centre for Migration and Development, ZME, commissioned by the German Government, BMZ, and implemented by GIZ.
In Nigeria, the work is carried out in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment through the Migrant Resource Centres, MRC, and the Nigerian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration, NGC. “The goal is simply to help returning migrants and others reintegrate, find work, and rebuild their lives on a lasting basis.
“Denny Social Welfare Hub is privileged to be trusted to deliver this Mental Health and Psychosocial Support programme as part of that wider effort, walking with you, and making sure your wellbeing and your needs as returnees are truly cared for,” she said.
The Hub emphasized that the programme is voluntary and confidential. Participants were assured of privacy and choice throughout the sessions. “This is your space. Taking part is completely your choice, you can pause, rest, or step out at any time, and you never have to talk or do anything you are not comfortable with. Sitting and listening is completely fine.
“Everything here is private. What you share stays within our team, and nothing about who is here today will be shared or posted anywhere. No photographs will be taken of you without your permission. There is no pressure here at all — you move at your own pace.”
The professional team supporting the programme includes Ms Judith Gbadebo, a clinical psychologist; Director Sw. Abosede Otukpe; facilitator Mrs Busayo Idehen; and peer support mentor Mr Michael Ikechukwu Jr. of the VOMA team.
Gbadebo explained that the psychological work would begin with assessment to identify individual needs.
