The Rivers State Chapter of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) successfully held its 6th Biennial Conference, Induction Ceremony, and Fundraising Event with the theme: “Counselling for Transformation: Accelerating Mental Health for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”
The event took place at the auditorium of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, and brought together counselling professionals, academics, government representatives, and stakeholders in the mental health sector.
In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of CASSON Rivers State Chapter, Comrade Austin ThankGod Jonah, emphasized the growing need for mental health professionals in Nigeria, considering the current socio-economic realities facing the nation. He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the paper presentations, professional discussions, and networking opportunities provided by the conference.
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Delivering one of the keynote presentations, Dr. Wodu Chimeum M., a Senior Registrar in the Department of Neuropsychiatry at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, stressed the importance of mental health in society and the workplace. He noted that overall well-being cannot be achieved without sound mental health and called on government at all levels to invest more in counselling services and mental health professionals. He further highlighted the challenges posed by the increasing brain drain in the country.
A major highlight of the event was the induction of 68 new members into the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON). Certificates were presented to the inductees, officially welcoming them into the professional body.
The association also used the occasion to launch a fundraising campaign aimed at constructing its own administrative building and secretariat, a move expected to strengthen the association’s operations and service delivery.
The event was attended by representatives of the Rivers State Government, the management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, national leaders of CASSON, members of the counselling profession, and other distinguished guests.
The conference reaffirmed the critical role of counselling in promoting mental health, social transformation, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
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