A new chapter in child development advocacy has been ushered in with the official launch of the My Child’s Psyche Initiative (MCPI) in Abuja on Thursday. The initiative, aimed at transforming the emotional and psychological wellbeing of Nigerian children, seeks to promote emotional intelligence, psychological resilience, and holistic growth for the nation’s young generation.

The launch featured the inaugural Ultimate Caregiver Enlightenment Symposium & Book Presentation, themed ‘United in Care: Guiding Hearts, Growing Minds’. The event gathered a diverse group of parents, teachers, and caregivers who are determined to raise emotionally balanced and resilient children in an increasingly complex and challenging world.

Focus on Emotional Intelligence

Speaking at the event, Madam Chyna Clifford, a child development advocate and founder of MCPI, emphasized the initiative’s mission to understand and nurture the emotional and psychological development of children. She highlighted that the inner world of children is often overlooked—filled with wonder, dreams, anxieties, and untapped potential. However, societal pressures often suppress children’s emotions, leaving their feelings and concerns ignored.

“The inner world of a child is a universe of untapped potential. Unfortunately, societal pressures often drown out their emotions, leaving many feelings unanswered. This initiative is here to change that,” Clifford said.

Focusing on Autism and Neurodiversity

This year’s symposium specifically focused on children on the autism spectrum, providing caregivers and educators with practical strategies to better support their unique developmental and emotional needs. Clifford stressed the importance of bridging the gap between psychology and parenting to equip caregivers with the tools, resources, and knowledge to support children’s emotional and behavioral development both at home and in school.

“Emotional intelligence must be valued as highly as academic achievement if Nigeria is to build a stable, empathetic, and progressive society. If we are serious about raising a generation of emotionally intelligent, morally grounded, and socially responsible leaders, we must first understand the intricacies of a child’s mind,” Clifford added. “Healing the psyche of the child is healing the future of the nation.”

Expert Sessions and Discussions

The symposium also featured insightful discussions from experts in child psychology and neurodiversity:

• Dr. Adaobi Okeke, a guest speaker, addressed the challenges faced by neurodivergent children—those with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. She provided strategies for parents and teachers to support these children both at home and in school. She also emphasized the impact of prenatal stress on children’s neurodevelopment.
• Dr. Maryam Tukur-Shagaya, an obstetrician and gynecologist, spoke on “Postpartum Struggles and the Emotional Journey of Motherhood,” stressing the importance of supporting the mental wellbeing of new mothers, whose emotional challenges are often overlooked after childbirth.
• Mrs. Ruqayya Tofa-Basheer, founder of Ummi Women Empowerment Foundation (Ummi Africa), encouraged women to prioritize self-care and work-life balance, offering practical strategies for emotional regulation in high-pressure environments.
• Mrs. Eni Ogon, an educationist and founder of Broadoaks British School, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between schools and parents to ensure children’s mental wellness is nurtured alongside academic development.

A Call to Action for Families and Educators

In her closing remarks, Clifford extended an open invitation to families, educators, and caregivers: “Come, learn, unlearn, and relearn with us – for the sake of the minds we’re nurturing and the future we’re shaping.”

With the launch of MCPI, the initiative is positioning itself as a key player in national conversations about child psychology, emotional wellbeing, and the urgent need to raise a generation that is not only brilliant but also balanced, informed, and genuinely humane.

The foundation aims to lead the way in advocating for holistic child development and emotional intelligence, providing the tools necessary for a brighter and more emotionally resilient future for Nigeria’s youth.