The Niger State Contributory Health Agency-NiCare has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting access to quality healthcare, including mental health services, through its participation in a youth sensitisation programme organised to commemorate the 2026 World Mental Health Day. The event, held at Murtala Park, Minna, brought together about 25–30 young people and was organised by Tea and Reflections, a mental health support group dedicated to reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions in Nigeria, particularly in the northern states. In his message, Executive Secretary/CEO NiCare, Sulayman Abu-Bakr, encouraged young people to prioritise their mental and physical well-being and take advantage of available healthcare services. He also emphasised the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraged the youths to become advocates for health insurance within their communities. He reaffirmed NiCare’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote health awareness, improve access to healthcare, and advance Universal Health Coverage in Niger State. Musa Isah Kuchi, Head of Business Development, NiCare, gave a briefing on the agency, explaining its mandate, the importance of health insurance, and the benefits available to enrollees under its various healthcare packages. He highlighted the relevance of health insurance in improving access to healthcare, including mental health treatment at NiCare-accredited healthcare facilities, in line with the services covered under the scheme. This reinforces the importance of health insurance in ensuring that individuals can seek appropriate medical attention when needed without undue financial hardship. Kuchi encouraged the youths to explore opportunities to enrol in the scheme and to develop initiatives that would enable them to support NiCare’s awareness and enrolment drives. He also urged them to take the message of health insurance to their communities, helping more residents understand their healthcare rights and the benefits of being enrolled. In her remarks, Zainab Muhammad Kuyizhi, Founder/ Team Lead, Tea and Reflections, explained that the organisation works to promote mental health awareness through group therapy sessions, sensitisation programmes, and mindfulness exercises. Based in Minna, the group aims to provide a supportive environment where individuals can share their mental health challenges without fear of stigma or discrimination. The collaboration highlighted the important connection between mental health awareness and access to healthcare, particularly for young people who may face barriers to seeking professional help due to stigma, limited awareness, or financial constraints. By participating in the programme, NiCare reinforced its commitment to expanding awareness of health insurance and encouraging residents to take advantage of covered healthcare services, including mental health treatment available at accredited facilities. The engagement also provided an opportunity to encourage young people to become advocates for health insurance within their communities, contributing to efforts to expand coverage and advance Universal Health Coverage in Niger State.v
