A Nigerian lady and a mental health activist, Hauwa Ojeifo, 26, won the first-ever MTV EMA Generation Change award.
Hauwa who was nominated alongside a 21-year old Afghanistan, Sonita Alizadeh; 17 year old Lebanese, Mohamad Aljounde; 20 year old Briton, Ellen Jones and 18 year old Xiuhtezcatl “X” Martinez in the category, was unable to attend the event held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre, on Sunday, in Bilbao, Spain, as she could not secure a Schengen Visa.
The MTV EMA Generation Change Award was created to elevate and empower the fearless, original young people who are changing the world, and it was gathered that the Nigerian lady whose works’ border on mental health especially for women, was identified as a vibrant voice in creating awareness for mental health in Nigeria.
Hauwa Ojeifo who in June was chosen alongside two other Nigerians, Isaac Ezirim and Kennedy Ekezie Joseph to receive the first-ever Queen’s Young Leaders award, is the founder of ‘She Writes Woman’ and ‘Safe Place’, the first 24/7 mental health crisis helpline and the first anonymous women-only mental health support group in Nigeria. She Writes Woman’ was birthed after she was diagnosed with bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) coupled with psychosis and suicidal idealizations.
