As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate National Self-Awareness Day on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Ambassador Norah Okafor, Lead Person of Protect the Precious Foundation, has called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of self-reflection while embracing self-confidence, balance, and emotional awareness.
Speaking to our correspondent via WhatsApp, Okafor emphasized that self-awareness is more than a personal virtue — it is a social responsibility that strengthens relationships, reduces conflict, and fosters healthier communities.
“Self-awareness begins with knowing who you are, understanding your emotions, and recognizing how they affect your decisions and relationships,” she explained. “It allows individuals to pause before reacting, manage stress effectively, and build stronger bonds with others. For a society like ours, where many young people struggle with identity and confidence, this is a vital skill.”
Okafor, who also champions the rights and empowerment of the girl child, linked the significance of the day to the mission of Protect the Precious Foundation. Established in 2019, the foundation is dedicated to safeguarding the dignity of the girl child, addressing gender discrimination, providing psychological and legal support for abused girls, and creating safe spaces for youth to discover their voice.
Through initiatives such as the annual “Hey Girls, Can We Talk?” summit, the foundation has empowered thousands of girls with knowledge on self-esteem, leadership, and their rights. It has also partnered with sanitary product manufacturers to raise health awareness while pursuing justice for survivors of rape and domestic violence.
Highlighting the broader impact of the day, Okafor urged Nigerians to engage in mindfulness practices, keep emotion journals, seek constructive feedback, and take reflective walks as practical steps to build self-awareness. She added that the foundation also extends support to persons with disabilities, particularly the visually impaired, inspiring them to rise above limitations while advocating for stronger legislative and executive support.
“We must all understand that self-awareness is not about changing who we are but about noticing what drives us so that we can live with clarity and purpose,” she noted.
First recognized in 2017 by the U.S. Senate, National Self-Awareness Day has gained international relevance as a platform for personal reflection and mental health awareness. For Nigerians, Okafor said, the observance is a timely reminder of the need to build resilient communities where individuals especially young girls are confident in their identity and empowered to make meaningful contributions.
