U.S. alumni urges Nigerians to prioritise brain health

The United States Government Exchange Alumni Association Nigeria (USGEAAN), Enugu State Chapter, has urged Nigerians to prioritise brain health as a foundation for personal productivity, peaceful communities and sustainable development.

The association made the call in its 9th Mentorship Series, organised in strategic partnership with Enugu Window on America on Friday in Enugu.

The programme themed: “You and Your Brain,” brought together youths, educators and community leaders to explore the neuroscience of decision-making and the role of brain health in addressing social challenges.

Mr Ebere Amaraizu, Coordinator, USGEAAN Enugu State, who delivered the lead address, described brain health as “non-negotiable. ”

Amaraizu said that beliefs formed in the brain ultimately influenced behaviour and actions.

He said: “Your brain is what you will be. Every belief emanates from the brain and translates to behaviour and action.

“To build a productive and peaceful society, we must learn to pause, question and update our thoughts daily. Prioritise your brain health.”

He said the mentorship series was part of USGEAAN’s Community-Centered Brain-Health Education Model, that focused on addressing harmful behaviours by examining the belief systems underlying them.

He said the initiative sought to move beyond slogans and address social problems from their roots.

“We are not treating symptoms. We are healing the control room. Healthy brain. Healthy belief. Healthy behaviour. Healthy community,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Edwin Arum, Director of Enugu Window on America, commended the organisers and participants for their commitment to the programme.

Arum said investment in brain health was an investment in national development, noting that productive and peaceful communities depended on healthy minds.

“A productive and peaceful community begins with healthy minds. We must move from rhetoric to neuroscience,” he said.

Participants at the mentorship series commended the initiative, saying it provided them with greater understanding of the connection between brain health, personal productivity and community well-being.

They expressed optimism that increased awareness of brain health would encourage individuals and communities to adopt healthier thought patterns and behaviours.