Important Conversations
Conversations about mental health financing, equitable access to care and support for women, children and vulnerable communities.
The Conversation Conference · 2026 Archive
TCC 5.0
The Future of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Strategic Investments. Stronger Partnerships. Community-Led Action for Resilient and Inclusive Communities.
13 October 2026 · Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja
A shared commitment to better mental health and wellbeing.
The Conversation Conference 5.0 brought together leaders, practitioners, policymakers, advocates, partners and community voices to advance conversations on mental health and wellbeing.
With a focus on strategic investment, stronger partnerships and community-led action, TCC 5.0 explored how more resilient and inclusive mental health support can be built for women, children and vulnerable communities.
This page is the event archive: revisit key moments, meet the voices associated with the conference, watch the livestream replay, view photographs and access the official programme.
EditionTCC 5.0
Date13 October 2026
VenueNicon Luxury Hotel
LocationAbuja, Nigeria
The Conference
Highlights from TCC 5.0
A look back at the conversations, people and moments that brought the conference to life.
Partnerships in Action
A shared space for public institutions, civil society, service providers and community stakeholders to connect around mental health priorities.
Community-Led Action
Renewing attention to community voices and practical action that can strengthen resilient and inclusive mental health support.
The People Behind the Conversation
Voices Associated with TCC 5.0
Meet some of the distinguished leaders, health professionals and advocates who contributed to the TCC 5.0 conversation.
Represented the Special Guest of Honour
Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia
Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice President.
Chairman of the Day
Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.)
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, reflecting on the conference's journey from TCC 1.0.
Keynote Speaker
Prof. Olayinka Olusola Omigbodun
Professor of Psychiatry whose keynote explored women's mental health, maternal wellbeing, education and empowerment.
Distinguished Guest
Prof. Fatima Kyari
Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
Distinguished Guest
Hajiya Maryam Uwais, MFR
Lawyer, businesswoman and human rights activist.
Distinguished Guest
Hadiza Isma El-Rufai
Writer and novelist.
Distinguished Guest
Mrs Rhoda Yisa-Doko
Corporate director and philanthropist.
Distinguished Guest
Hon. Muktar Umar Zakari (“Yarima”)
Member of the House of Representatives for Tarauni Federal Constituency, Kano State, representing Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Distinguished Guest
Ibrahim Bunu
Nigerian architect and politician who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Recognition
Awards and acknowledgements
Recognising leadership, advocacy and contributions to mental health and community wellbeing.
Leadership Award
Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda
In recognition of his commitment to community development through medical equipment distribution, transportation support,
skills development, and road infrastructure projects that improve livelihoods and access to essential services.
Leadership Award
Honourable Victor Abang
In recognition of his contributions to rural development through telecommunications infrastructure, improved access to healthcare
equipment, and educational infrastructure that support connectivity and community wellbeing in Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency.
Leadership Award
Senator George Thompson Sekibo
Add tIn recognition of his commitment to community wellbeing through eye-care outreach programmes that expand access to medical
services and support the health and dignity of underserved communities.
Community Champion Award
Mary Kabati
In recognition of her outstanding grassroots advocacy,
selfless service, and dedication to empowering people and creating meaningful, lasting change within her community.
The Conversation Conference 5.0
Moments, Voices & Impact
TCC 5.0 brought together distinguished public officials, health leaders, advocates and changemakers for an important conversation on mental health, women's wellbeing and the foundations of resilient communities.
A defining conversation
Putting Women's Mental Health at the Centre of Empowerment
The keynote address highlighted a vital message: women's empowerment must include mental wellbeing. From supporting mothers and girls to addressing the social and economic conditions that affect families, the conversation called for practical, compassionate and community-focused action.
One particularly important point was that children cannot learn effectively when they are hungry. School-based interventions must therefore consider feeding alongside other forms of support. The address also emphasised how financial support for women can benefit children, families and the wider society.
Looking back, moving forward
A Conference That Continues to Grow
General Mohammed Buba Marwa reflected on his involvement in the conference since TCC 1.0 and how he had watched it grow over the years. His reflection underscored the value of sustained commitment, collaboration and continued public engagement on mental health.
TCC 5.0 continued this journey by bringing important voices together to advance awareness, partnerships and action.
Keynote insights
What the Conversation Highlighted
The keynote address connected mental health with education, maternal wellbeing, economic opportunity, caregiving and protection from violence.
The data behind the discussion
Numbers That Call for Action
The keynote highlighted figures relating to women's safety, economic participation, marriage and maternal mental health. These figures reinforce the need for coordinated, evidence-informed responses.
1 in 6
Pregnant women experience mental distress, as cited in the keynote.
1 in 3
Women experience physical or sexual violence, as cited in the keynote.
30%
Of Nigerian women marry before the age of 18, as cited in the keynote.
1 in 5
New mothers experience a common mental health disorder, as cited in the keynote.
86%
Of Nigerian women in employment are self-employed, as cited in the keynote.
From Conversation to Meaningful Action
TCC 5.0 reinforced the need to treat mental health as an essential part of health and development. By connecting public leadership, professional expertise and community perspectives, the conference called for practical action that supports women, children and young people, and helps build healthier, more resilient communities.
Watch the Conference
TCC 5.0 Livestream Replay
Revisit the conference and share the conversation with colleagues, partners and others interested in mental health and wellbeing.
The Memories
Gallery: TCC 5.0
Photographs capturing the people, conversations, stage moments and recognitions from the conference.
Conference stage
Keynote and featured addresses
Special guests
Panel discussion
Expert perspectives
Audience participation
Networking and connection
Awards and recognition
Award recipients
Conference participants
Conference proceedings
Together for better mental health
Conference proceedings
Conference proceedings
Conference proceedings
Conference proceedings
Conference proceedings
Conference stage
Conference stage
Conference stage
Official Event Programme
Programme for TCC 5.0
Consult the official programme for the running order, session titles, speakers and conference activities.
Official TCC 5.0 Conference Programme
View TCC 5.0 programme document here. It can be viewed or downloaded.
Event Program:
See the line of events / activities
With appreciation
Thank you for being part of the conversation.
TCC 5.0 was made possible by the contributions of speakers, partners, participants, award recipients, volunteers and everyone committed to advancing mental health and wellbeing.
The conversation continues.
Explore earlier editions and follow the ongoing work to strengthen mental health and ellbeing in Nigeria.