It was an atmosphere of reflection and inspiration at Lagos State University (LASU) as Uju Okwuokei, a Superintendent of Customs, unveiled her new book titled *Awakening Joy: A Mental Health Perspective.”
The launch brought together dignitaries, academics, students, and mental health advocates, all united by a common cause—promoting emotional healing and mental well-being in society.
Published by ZiKlag Educational Publishers in Agbara, Ogun State, the book represents a bold foray into the growing conversation around mental health awareness in Nigeria. For Okwuokei, it is not just a book but a personal testimony of survival, transformation, and hope.
In her emotional address, Okwuokei, who also co-founded Celina’s Goodwill Foundation for Mental Health, explained that the book was born out of both loss and love. She revealed that it was inspired by the painful experience of losing her mother, Celina Mgbogo Okwuokei, whose memory continues to shape her journey of emotional recovery and self-discovery.
“Awakening Joy,” she said, is her humble contribution to the urgent need for empathy and understanding in addressing mental health issues. The author shared that through years of self-awareness, faith, and reflection, she found purpose in transforming personal pain into a source of healing for others.
The book delves deeply into the roots of mental imbalance, particularly in adults, linking many struggles to unresolved childhood emotional traumas. Through vivid storytelling and practical insight, Okwuokei explores how acceptance, faith, and self-love can lead individuals toward lasting joy.
She emphasized that the central message of the book is that joy is not merely an emotion but a state of inner peace that can be cultivated even amid life’s storms. Her goal, she added, is to help readers reconnect with themselves and discover strength in vulnerability.
Chairman of the occasion, Bishop Bayo Yussuf of Mercyland Ministries, praised the author for courageously addressing issues often overlooked in society. He described the book as a beacon of hope for those struggling with hidden pain and called on government leaders to prioritize mental health within national health policies.
Bishop Yussuf also urged authorities to tighten regulations on drug abuse, noting that many cases of mental breakdown are traceable to substance misuse. He commended Okwuokei’s foundation for complementing public health efforts through community sensitization.
Professor Biodun Akinpelu of LASU’s Faculty of Education, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the increasing mental health challenges among students in tertiary institutions. He stressed that the educational system must evolve to include support structures that nurture emotional resilience and psychological balance.
According to him, *Awakening Joy* comes at a critical time when many young people are silently battling depression, anxiety, and identity struggles. He described the book as both a guide and a mirror for self-reflection.
Representing the Lagos State government, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education lauded Okwuokei’s initiative and encouraged the public to support works that promote reading culture and personal development. He stated that books like *Awakening Joy* bridge the gap between academia and real-life emotional intelligence.
Guests at the event commended the author’s honesty and vulnerability, noting that her story reflects the silent struggles of many Nigerians who continue to mask emotional pain behind professional or social success.
The ceremony also featured musical interludes, poetry, and readings from the book, which left the audience visibly moved. Copies of *Awakening Joy* were purchased in large numbers, with proceeds pledged to support mental health outreach under the Celina’s Goodwill Foundation.
Okwuokei expressed gratitude to her supporters, mentors, and family members, reaffirming her commitment to advocating for mental health awareness across Nigeria. “Healing is possible,” she said, “when we embrace our brokenness and allow joy to guide us through recovery.”
As the event drew to a close, one thing became clear—the launch of *Awakening Joy: A Mental Health Perspective* marked more than a literary milestone; it was a clarion call to heal minds, restore hope, and rekindle joy in a world weighed down by silent battles.
