In the bustling corridors of her undergraduate days, Sa’adatu Adamu’s mind was a canvas splashed with the vibrant hues of motion and graphic design. Envisioning a future where her creative illustrations would breathe life into brands, she delved deep into her discipline, eager to make her mark in the world of design.
But destiny had other plans for Sa’adatu. In 2014, a chance encounter with a woman grappling with profound identity issues sparked a profound transformation within her. Witnessing the struggles of this lady ignited a fire within Sa’adatu—a fire fueled by a fervent desire to alleviate the silent battles waged within countless souls.
Driven by this newfound purpose, Sa’adatu made a bold decision—to pivot from the realm of design to the realm of psychology. Guided by a deep-seated commitment to effect tangible change in people’s lives, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and education, immersing herself in the study of Guidance and Counseling.
Her decision was rather a response to a pressing societal need. Nigeria, her homeland, grappled with a silent epidemic—the scourge of mental illness. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 20% of Nigerians, approximately 50 million people, battled various forms of mental illness, with depression and anxiety disorders casting a long shadow over the nation.
In 2017, the statistics painted a bleak picture, with around 7 million Nigerians battling depressive disorders and 4.9 million struggling with anxiety disorders. The burden of substance abuse disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders further exacerbated the nation’s mental health challenges.
Undeterred by the enormity of the challenge, Sa’adatu pledged herself to the cause of mental health advocacy. Armed with her background in psychology and counseling, she resolved to bridge the chasm that separated the afflicted from the care they so desperately needed.
Enter the Secure-D-Future International Initiative (SDF), a beacon of hope in a landscape marred by stigma and neglect. Initially conceived as an advocacy group championing mental health awareness, SDF soon evolved into a multifaceted organization, offering counseling, psychotherapy, and social reintegration services to those in need.
In Sa’adatu’s words: “I started an advocacy campaign on mental health and counselling because I realized that many people are struggling with psychological issues. Of course, if you’re dealing with psychological issues, no amount of training will necessarily make you productive at work. So, I felt there was a need to create awareness for mental health and counselling.”
But Sa’adatu’s vision extended beyond mere intervention; she sought to lay the groundwork for lasting change. Recognizing the importance of education in combating ignorance and prejudice, she spearheaded initiatives to train professionals in the field, empowering them to be agents of transformation in their own right.
The impact of SDF rippled across the nation, touching the lives of thousands. From educational institutions to community outreach programs, Sa’adatu and her team left an indelible mark, fostering a culture of openness and acceptance where none existed before.
“Through our efforts, we strive to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and foster a culture of openness and acceptance. By promoting dialogue and understanding, we can pave the way for a future where individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear or judgment. Together, we can build a community that prioritizes mental well-being and ensures that no one has to face their struggles alone,” she noted.
Yet her aspirations knew no bounds. In her relentless pursuit of progress, Sa’adatu founded the Psychotherapeutic & Counselling Research Institute—a testament to her unwavering commitment to advancing the mental health sector in Nigeria.
“I thought it would be important to have a place where people can get certified and still use the certificates in progressing their career to help themselves and also even train others in their workplace or environment.”
Through this online institution, she sought to equip aspiring mental health practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to effect real change in their communities.
However, the path was not without its challenges. Sa’adatu grappled with the perennial issue of funding, a hurdle that threatened to impede her noble endeavors. Moreover, she confronted deep-seated cultural myths and beliefs surrounding mental health, challenging centuries-old taboos with courage and conviction.
Looking to the future, Sa’adatu remains undaunted. With a steely resolve and an unwavering vision, she envisions SDF as a trailblazing institute at the forefront of psychotherapeutic research and practice in Nigeria. Her dream? To see a generation of graduates making meaningful contributions to the field, transforming lives and reshaping perceptions.
“I envision Secure-D-Future International Initiative as one of the foremost psychotherapeutic and counselling research institutes in Nigeria. Our goal is to have graduated numerous students who are making significant contributions to the field and positively impacting lives. We aim to expand our reach, moving beyond being solely an institute to potentially becoming a university,” she said.
During her undergraduate years, Sa'adatu Adamu was passionate about motion and graphic design, with aspirations of becoming a renowned illustrator for brands. However, in 2014, a transformative encounter with a woman facing identity issues shifted her path towards psychology. Witnessing societal struggles in Nigeria, where 20% of the population faces mental health challenges, inspired Sa'adatu to change her focus to Guidance and Counseling.
In response to Nigeria's mental health epidemic, she established the Secure-D-Future International Initiative (SDF) in 2017, which evolved from an advocacy group into an organization providing counseling, psychotherapy, and social reintegration services. Sa'adatu's vision extended beyond immediate intervention, emphasizing the need for education and training to dispel stigma and empower communities. She founded the Psychotherapeutic & Counseling Research Institute to certify and train mental health practitioners.
Despite challenges such as funding and cultural taboos, Sa'adatu remains committed to advancing the mental health sector. She envisions SDF becoming a leading psychotherapeutic research institute in Nigeria, eventually expanding into a university, and producing graduates who make significant contributions to the field.
