3.0: Five Makinde's aides, NDLEA Commandant, Kerom Leeothers to grace TAVI Mental Health Conference, Oct 10

By:

Tayo Olatunji, Ibadan

All is set for third edition of The Avalanche Initiative, a socio-cultural and mental health initiative, acronyms TAVI.

The event annually convenes by a respected young broadcast journalist with I-flier 103.3FM Ibadan, Samson Omotosho, is a platform that gathers voices from health and socio-cultural walks of life  for solutions to lingering socio-mental disorderliness in Nigeria.

The initiative that commenced in 2021 has affected and evangelized  plenty of youths from involving in drug related dealings, which result in criminality and mental instability when unchecked.

This third edition will hold on Thursday 10th October, 2024 by 10am at Centre Egg, adjacent Obasanjo Farms, Oluyole Estate off Ring Road in Ibadan.

Five of the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde's aides, including Commissioner for Agriculture, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Commissioner for Health , Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Commissioner for Youths and Sport, Wasilat Adegoke, Senior Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Victor Olojede, Chairman, Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Akin Fagbemi, and others  will grace the event.

The theme being," Mental Health is a Universal Human Right: Drug Evidence is clear:",  will feature several discussions and panel sessions, which will air the Oyo State Commandant, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Olayinka Joe-Fadile, CEO, RAIN, Dr. olusola Ayoola, CEO, Keerom Lee, Mrs Romoke Ayinde, and others from home and overseas.

In an interview with newsmen on Thursday, the convener, Samson Omotosho, expressed his delight as the initiative since 2021 has saved not less than 500 young citizens from undue deaths, who were addicted to hard drugs and other related substances.

Omotosho noted saying,''The Avalanche Initiative otherwise known as TAVI is a socio-cultural and mental health initiative for young adults. This initiative is borne out of rising cases of depression, drug abuse, rape, sexual assault, suicide and other socio vices that causes menace in the society especially among young people. We bring in experts on subject matters in order to proffer possible solutions and interventions in relevant areas." 

"My orientation on terrestrial radio, television and social media platforms orchestrate a balanced synergy with the teeming youths. Hence, we bridge the gap between young people and society."

"I have successfully created awareness through reconstruction on all social media spaces, ranging from print to mainstream and ultimately social media."

The TAVI founder and convener, added that his compactful relationship with non-governmental organizations home and overseas has added flesh to his efforts at addressing social menaces brewing from usually, abuse of drugs.

"Partner with relevant NGOs and stakeholders on mental health

Collaborate with relevant agencies in the government has helped in creating awareness, counselling, rehabilitation and empowerment programmes for the affected people."

While emphasizing his past achievements, Samson Omotosho maintained that his target was to positively affect 2,000,000 young Nigerians for a sustainable environment and future.

"Reducing to the barest minimum rising cases of mental health challenges with a triangular strategy, identification, transformation and reintegration of not less than 2, 000,000 young Nigerians within the next two years", he said.