NEWS
Young Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa Have The Highest Mental Well-being Scores Globally in a New Report That Shows Mental Health in Their Western Counterparts is Severely Declining.
Tara Thiagarajan, Founder & Chief Scientist, Sapien Labs
6th of March 2025 – Nairobi, Sapien Labs, a global leader in mental health research, has released the Mental State of the World 2024 Report, revealing that young African adults are showing stronger mental resilience compared to their peers in high-income nations, where youth mental well-being has been in steep decline since the COVID 19 Pandemic. The decline across the world is characterized by a deterioration of the ability to control and regulate thoughts and emotions as well as form and maintain positive relationships with people. The report, which analysed over one million responses from internet enabled populations in 76 countries, across all continents, presents a concerning reality as mental health among 18- to 34-year-olds in Western nations has dropped sharply since 2019, with no signs of recovery. In contrast, the decline is far less among several African countries where mental well-being scores are higher, with Tanzania ranking first in Africa and the highest globally. Younger adults in Nigeria and Kenya also score relatively well, with Mental health Quotient (MHQ) scores above 60 and in the 50-60 range, respectively, indicating better mental health outcomes compared to many Western nations. However, it is worth noting that the figures for African youth are still way below the average figures for older adults generally across the globe. South Africa is the only country surveyed in Africa that is aligned more with the West, with South African youth scoring between 30-40 MHQ, which is low, but still above poorly performing countries such as the UK, Ukraine and New Zealand. The report is not based on indicators of happiness, nor it is monitoring anxiety and depression. The data collected using the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) which measures all aspects of mental function: emotional, social and cognitive, shows that while older adults are doing well, a near majority of younger adults are experiencing functionally debilitating struggles or distress. This is not just about diminished happiness, which is only a small component of Mind Health, but of the core mental functioning that’s needed to navigate life’s challenges and function productively. This decline in mental wellbeing in youth has been linked to multiple interconnected factors, including weaker social connections, early exposure to smartphones, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and greater exposure to environmental toxins. Younger generations are experiencing fewer close friendships, spending more time online, and consuming diets that contribute to emotional instability and cognitive challenges. These combined pressures have fueled a global crisis that continues to deepen. Tara Thiagarajan, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, commented”Africa holds a unique advantage in youth mental health, an asset that must be actively protected as the continent undergoes rapid technological and economic shifts. With Africa’s youthful population set to play a key role in the global economy in the coming decades, governments must take proactive steps to ensure that urbanization, digital adoption and evolving lifestyles do not erode the mental resilience that is now setting African youth apart from the rest of the world”According to the report, older populations across the globe, ranked well with an average of 100 MHQ in populations of 55+ Countries that ranked high in older populations, with a score of over 110 include countries in Africa, Central and South America, South East Asia and Israel and the UAE. Nigeria was ranked high at 110 plus and Kenya was in the second group of countries with scores between 100 and 110. In stark contrast to older adults, the average MHQ of younger Internet-enabled adults under age 35, ranges from 5 to 71 across 79 countries with an average globally of just 38, over 60 points lower than those aged 55 plus.
Many under 35’s are merely enduring life with 41% classified as distressed or struggling, i.e. experiencing an average of five or more clinical level symptoms of mental distress that significantly impair their ability to navigate their lives and function productively. Across all countries, younger adults have diminished Mind Health relative to older generations. In only 15 out of 79 countries did their average MHQ exceed 50 and just one country – Tanzania, had an average MHQ above 65 – equivalent to the lowest country average among those aged 55+. Findings from the report, further suggest that stronger community and family ties, later exposure to smartphones, and more face-to-face social interactions may contribute to these varying scores. These factors, which help build emotional resilience, have been declining in high-income nations over the past decade, where digital connectivity and individualism have replaced traditional social structures. However, as Africa urbanizes and adopts more technology, researchers warn that these benefits could fade if not protected, leading to a decline in young people’s mental well-being across the continent. Tara Thiagarajan, went on to say, “The report highlights a widening generational gap in mental health worldwide. While older adults (55+) continue to thrive, younger adults are facing unique levels of distress. The consequence of this as the older generation moves out of the workforce is that we will be faced with a new workforce that may not be able to cope with the pressures of daily life. There will be less productivity, more days off, less co-operation and more anxiety and possibly more violence in daily life with a generation that does not have the emotional and cognitive ability to cope”. She went on to say, “For Africa, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge to learn from global trends and act now to preserve the mental resilience of its young people. African nations must look at ways to counter childhood exposure to smart phones and ultra-processed diets and environmental toxins. As the continent advances, leaders and communities need to encourage the strong social and cultural bonds that have helped protect young Africans and look at ways that youth across the continent can further develop resilience and achieve their full potential”. The full Mental State of the World 2024 report is available at [insert link]. For more information about Sapien Labs and its initiatives, please contact Agarther GichagaTell-em PRagarther.gichaga@tell-em-pr.com+254 722 586 882
ABOUT SAPIEN LABSFounded in 2016, Sapien Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to understanding and enabling the human mind. Through large-scale, real-time global data collection, Sapien Labs explores the impact of modern life on brain and mental health. Its research provides valuable insights and tools for schools, organizations, and governments, helping to shape policies and interventions that promote mental well-being worldwide. Website: https://sapienlabs.org ABOUT MENTAL STATE OF THE WORLD 2024The Mental State of the World Report is an annual publication by Sapien Labs’ Global Mind Project that examines the shifting landscape of mental well-being among internet-enabled populations worldwide. Each edition analyzes the mental health trends of the past year, comparing them to previous years while identifying key factors influencing these changes. Throughout the year, additional Rapid Reports provide deeper insights into specific aspects of mental well-being. As the world’s largest and most comprehensive ongoing global survey of mental health, the Global Mind Project uses the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) to collect data across diverse populations. This initiative tracks mental well-being alongside sociocultural, lifestyle, and technological factors in multiple countries, offering a data-driven understanding of dominant trends and their underlying causes.
NEWS
EID EL-ADHA 2026: Governor Dauda Lawal Urges Increased Prayers for Peace, Hails Return of Displaced Communities
As Muslims across the world celebrate Eid al-Adha 2026 yesterday, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has called on the faithful to intensify prayers for lasting peace in the state and Nigeria at large. The governor made the appeal in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, ahead of the Eid prayers.
Eid al-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is observed annually by Muslims on the 10th day of Dhulhijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival commemorates the unwavering obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), who was willing to sacrifice his son Isma’il in submission to Allah’s (SWT) command an act replaced by divine intervention with a ram.
In his address, Governor Lawal reflected on the spiritual significance of the season, noting that the sacrificial rite not only honours Prophet Ibrahim’s submission but also forms an essential part of the Hajj rituals for pilgrims currently in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
“I felicitate with the Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Adha 2026,” the governor said. “The sacrifice performed during Eid is symbolic of Prophet Ibrahim’s submission and is also part of the Hajj rites for pilgrims.”
The governor specifically called on residents of Zamfara, particularly those undertaking the pilgrimage, to remain steadfast in prayers for the state and the nation.
“We have made significant progress in the fight against banditry, which is why dispersed communities are now returning to their homes,” Lawal stated. He cited a recent milestone: “Last week, we successfully returned thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral community of Fegin Kanawa Village in Gusau Local Government Area after over a year of displacement.”
According to officials, the village had been abandoned due to repeated bandit attacks, forcing residents to seek refuge in overcrowded camps or host communities. The successful return of the IDPs marks one of the administration’s key achievements in its ongoing security and reconstruction efforts.
Governor Lawal expressed gratitude to Allah for enabling the state to witness what he described as a “historic” achievement the airlift of pilgrims from Gusau International Airport, which has now resumed full operations after previous disruptions.
“We are committed to ensuring the safe return of all displaced persons to their homes. Such successes are only possible due to our collective prayers. I urge us to pray more, especially during sacred religious festivals,” he added.
The governor concluded his message with warm wishes: “I wish everyone a peaceful Eid celebration.”
Following the broadcast, Governor Lawal joined thousands of worshippers at the Gusau Central Eid prayer ground, where he observed the two-unit Eid prayer and listened to the customary sermon (khutbah). Security was notably heightened across the state, with checkpoints and patrols deployed to prevent any attacks during the celebrations.
Zamfara, like much of Nigeria’s North-West region, has faced years of insecurity fueled by banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. The governor’s emphasis on prayer reflects a broader strategy that combines military offensives, community dialogue, and spiritual advocacy to restore normalcy.
At Wema Bank, we have spent the last few years reimagining what Children’s Day can look like for Nigerian children.What started as a celebration has evolved into an intentional platform designed to build confidence, encourage leadership, promote financial literacy and create meaningful opportunities for children across different age groups.This year, we have raised the bar even higher. At Wema Bank’s Children’s Day Special Event held on Monday, May 25, 2026, our One-Day MD/CEO, Chinmamanda Diamond Ozoakpata, used her first official act in office to unveil a series of new initiatives designed to reward, educate and empower children through our Royal Kiddies account and ALAT Xplore platform.From year-long cash rewards and celebrations of academic excellence to financial literacy materials and STEM challenges, here are the new incentives that were announced and how to qualify:1. Birthday Cash Gift (Royal Kiddies Account Holders)Wema bank is putting real money behind milestone birthdays. Active Royal Kiddies account holders turning 5 will receive ₦5,000, while those turning 10 will receive ₦10,000 automatically, as a birthday cash gift. The initiative runs from May 2026 to May 2027. Importantly, active account holders who already turned 5 or 10 before May 2026 this year will also receive their reward this month.To qualify: Your child must hold an active Royal Kiddies account and be turning (or have turned) age 5 or 10 within the qualifying window.2. ₦100,000 Reward for Top Common Entrance Students (Royal Kiddies Account Holders)In a move that directly ties financial reward to academic achievement, Wema Bank will reward the top 100 students in the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) with ₦100,000 each. This initiative commences in June 2026.To qualify: Your child must be among the top 100 performers in the NCEE and hold a Royal Kiddies account.3. Financial Literacy Book Launch – Money Adventures (Royal Kiddies Account Holders)Wema Bank officially launched Money Adventures, a financial literacy book created for children aged 6 and above, at the Children’s Day event. Designed to make money conversations simpler and more engaging for young readers, the book introduces children to foundational concepts around saving, money management and responsible financial habits in a fun, age-appropriate way. To qualify: To receive a copy of this book, your child must hold an active Royal Kiddies account or have their Royal Kiddies account newly activated.4. Evolve School Tour STEM Challenge (ALAT Xplore Account Holders)The Bank also unveiled the Evolve School Tour STEM Challenge. Designed for secondary school students aged 13–17, the programme will run across six schools nationwide with existing STEM programmes. Through hands-on STEM competitions and school engagements, the initiative aims to promote innovation, technology awareness, financial literacy and responsible savings culture. There will also be monetary prizes to be won at the end of the challenge.To qualify: Your child must be an ALAT Xplore customer, aged 13–17, and attend one of the participating schools with an active STEM programme.Over the last four years, Wema Bank has consistently treated Children’s Day as more than a calendar moment. From the One-Day MD/CEO initiative to school tours, leadership experiences and child-focused financial literacy campaigns, the Bank has continued to expand how it supports children meaningfully.Yet, this is the first time the bank has included a Children’s Day initiative that runs for an entire year. Combine that with a six-figure academic reward, a published financial literacy resource, and a nationwide school tour, and it becomes clear: this is the most comprehensive, most impactful package of benefits Wema Bank has ever delivered to its youngest customers. It signals a growing commitment by Wema Bank to create experiences for children that extend far beyond celebration and leave a lasting impact long after Children’s Day is over.
In a decisive move aimed at alleviating the economic burdens of retired public servants, Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, has officially approved increased monthly pension payments for all former workers from both state and local government offices. The approval follows an extensive financial review of retirees’ living conditions, with particular attention to those in lower-income brackets who have been disproportionately affected by the prevailing cost-of-living crisis.The decision was precipitated by the findings and recommendations of a special committee empaneled to evaluate the welfare situation of pensioners across the state. The committee’s report highlighted acute financial distress among aging retirees and called for immediate remedial action. In response, the state government has authorized a substantive upward adjustment in monthly pension stipends.This increment aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Minimum Wage Act of 2024, which explicitly recommended an additional monthly sum of at least N32,000 for pensioners. Governor Lawal has opted for full implementation of this advisory for all retired state and local government employees a policy intervention expected to benefit thousands of households across Zamfara. The state government has subsequently issued binding directives to all relevant agencies to ensure the expeditious and seamless disbursement of the enhanced payments without procedural delays.Speaking on the development, the Honorable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Muhammad Dantawasa, characterized the policy as a tangible demonstration of Governor Lawal’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for both active and former government workers. According to the Commissioner, the administration operates on the principle that dignified retirement includes access to basic necessities and financial comfort. Beneficiaries across all local government areas have been assured of prompt payment once implementation commences.
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