“Speak Up, Stay Alive” — Funke Akindele Urges Nigerians to Prioritise Mental Health, Reject Suicide

Funke Akindele is amplifying the conversation around mental health, sending a powerful message of hope to those silently battling suicidal thoughts. On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the award-winning filmmaker and actress took to Instagram to stress the importance of opening up, declaring, “Suicide is not an option.”

Her emotional post, which has since gone viral, called on Nigerians to reject shame and speak boldly about their struggles. “Let them say you’re oversharing… but speak up! Because when you’re alive, there’s a solution,” she wrote. The post was accompanied by hashtags like #suicidenotheoption and #notosuicide, drawing massive engagement and support from fans, mental health advocates, and fellow celebrities.

Akindele’s message comes at a critical time as mental health concerns in Nigeria continue to surge, particularly among young people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects over 7 million Nigerians, with suicide accounting for more than 17,000 deaths annually—numbers that experts fear are underreported due to stigma and poor access to mental health care.

Her post also challenged the culture of silence around emotional pain and societal expectations. “You are stronger than you think. You are braver than you feel. You are loved more than you know,” she added, reassuring her audience that vulnerability is not weakness, but a form of survival.

Fans flooded her comment section with gratitude, sharing personal stories of how her words inspired them to seek help. One user wrote, “This post saved me today,” while another added, “I needed to hear this more than you know. Thank you, Aunty Funke.”

Mental health professionals have applauded her bravery and used the momentum to renew calls for better national mental health policies, community-based support structures, and public awareness campaigns.

Funke Akindele, best known for her blockbuster films and hit series Jenifa’s Diary, has increasingly used her platform to spotlight real-life issues, from depression to single parenting and now suicide prevention. Her influence—spanning entertainment and activism—continues to resonate with millions of Nigerians at home and abroad.