Popular Nollywood star Chinedu Ikedieze, better known as Aki, has taken on a new national assignment as Mental Health Ambassador for Echoes Africa Initiatives, leading a campaign to break the silence surrounding mental illness across Africa and the diaspora.
The United States-based non-profit organisation announced the appointment as part of its drive to tackle the stigma that prevents many people from seeking help for mental health challenges.
With millions of fans across the continent, Ikedieze is expected to use his celebrity status to encourage open conversations on mental wellbeing and promote professional care.
The actor recently led the organisation’s flagship diaspora event, “Laugh. Learn. Heal.”, held at Bronx Community College in New York, where entertainment was combined with expert discussions on mental health.
Psychiatrists Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka and Dr. Evaristo Akerele educated participants on recognising signs of psychological trauma and accessing appropriate treatment.
At the event, Echoes Africa Initiatives honoured Ikedieze with its 2026 Agent of Change Award for using his fame to promote public health awareness.
Presenting the award, the organisation’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ify Ezinwa, praised the actor for helping bridge the gap between vulnerable communities and mental health services.
Receiving the award, Ikedieze stressed the need to end the stigma surrounding mental illness and urged Nigerians to seek professional help whenever necessary.
The campaign will move to Nigeria in October with the Mental Health and Gender-Based Violence Conference Nigeria 2026 in Abuja.
The conference, organised by Echoes Africa Initiatives in partnership with the National Mental Health Programme under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, will bring together policymakers, health experts and development partners to address mental health, trauma, substance abuse and gender-based violence.
Ikedieze is also expected to headline the conference’s Mental Health Gala, using drama and music to spread awareness and encourage conversations on emotional wellbeing.
Beyond Nigeria, the actor will champion similar advocacy campaigns in the United States, targeting African immigrants, African Americans and Caribbean communities facing mental health challenges linked to migration and social pressures.
