By Silvernews
Over 300 students of Nathaniel Gift International School, Ogun State, have benefited from a mental health and stress management programme organised by Nelo Dreams Foundation in partnership with the Rangers International Football Club Foundation under its Beyond The Pitch initiative.
The engagement, which held on Friday, June 26, 2026, was aimed at equipping young learners with practical knowledge on understanding stress, identifying warning signs, and developing healthy coping strategies.
The programme featured students from Primary 4–6, Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1–3, and Senior Secondary School (SS) 1–2, who were educated on the meaning of stress and its effects on both physical and psychological wellbeing.
Facilitators highlighted the importance of recognising early signs of stress and explained how unmanaged pressure can affect students’ academic performance, confidence, and overall mental health.
The students were also introduced to practical stress management techniques, including setting healthy boundaries, maintaining good eating habits, prioritising sleep, regular exercise, reducing excessive screen time, meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and speaking up when facing challenges.
A key message of the session was the importance of seeking help early, with students encouraged not to keep silent whenever they experience difficulties but to speak with trusted adults or professionals for guidance.
Speaking after the programme, Chairman of Rangers International FC Foundation, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, described stress as an unavoidable part of life but urged young people to develop healthy ways of managing it.
Stress is inevitable. Suffering in silence is a choice. We taught students that their mind is like a school bag. Pack it right daily, or it gets too heavy. Mentally strong students become focused learners and future leaders,” Amaraizu said.
The two foundations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting mental health awareness, building resilience among Nigerian youths, and supporting initiatives that contribute to improved academic performance and sustainable development.
