BSN, Leading Pathways to Healing Trauma in Nigeria
The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has, in the last eight years, remained deeply committed to addressing the pervasive issue of trauma within Nigeria, a nation facing numerous challenges, including conflicts, economic instability, kidnapping, insurgency, and natural disasters.
The organisation has worked tirelessly since 2016 to build capacity for trauma management in the country, and 13 states have so far benefited with over three million people reached. It has also implemented various trauma healing programmes designed to address the spiritual, emotional, and psychological needs of traumatized individuals. These programmes integrate biblical principles with mental health practices. Some of these efforts involve conducting training sessions and workshops for religious leaders, community workers, and other stakeholders.
A cross section of participants
To consolidate these efforts and highlight the BSN’s dedication to fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of trauma healing, the organisation recently hosted 15 countries across Africa and the United States at an international community of practice conference on Trauma Healing in Lagos.
The conference, themed “Trauma Healing in a World of Uncertainty: Navigating Global Crises and Building Resilience,” brought together trauma healing practitioners, mental health professionals, religious leaders, and community workers to examine the far-reaching impact of trauma in the context of ongoing global crises such as conflicts, natural disasters, economic instability, and insurgency among others.
Welcoming delegates to the conference, the General Secretary/CEO of BSN, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, emphasized the need to build a network of support that fosters holistic healing for trauma victims.
Pastor Sanusi acknowledged that trauma is a barrier to meaningful Scripture engagement, as it divides and isolates individuals and communities, often leaving victims with more questions than answers.
“Trauma, whether caused by conflict, displacement, violence, loss, or systemic injustice, leaves deep scars that move through generations,” he said, adding that the community of practice is not just a platform to discuss challenges but also an opportunity to explore solutions rooted in our real-life experiences and realities.
Speaking further, Sanusi stated, “It is an opportunity to learn from one another, share knowledge, and build a network of support that spans across disciplines and regions.”
One of the speakers at the conference, Dr Yetunde Fasakin, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Managing Director of Amazing Healthcare Clinic, spoke on Conflict to Healing: Exploring Global Collaboration in Trauma Recovery. She expressed dismay at the steady increase in armed confrontations, civil wars, and ethnic violence, which have severe consequences, including high mortality rates and mass displacement, affecting all layers of society
Frederick Barasa, a representative of The American Bible Society
According to her, the aftermath of these conflicts leads to profound impacts on affected populations, including loss of life, psychological trauma, and social disintegration. These effects hinder individuals’ ability to rebuild their lives, perpetuating cycles of poverty and violence. The overall impact on mental health is significant, often resulting in widespread issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression, affecting not only survivors but entire communities.
On the ripple effect on the society, she said, “A traumatized population may experience reduced productivity, increased violence, and strained family dynamics. Trust in institutions may diminish, and efforts to achieve lasting peace become complicated by historical grievances and ongoing emotional pain, emphasizing the need for thoughtful recovery strategies.”
Another speaker, Dr Chima Okoro, a lecturer from the Department of Psychology at the University of Lagos, highlighted how climate change also contributes to the rise of psychological trauma in the country,
Dr Okoro, who spoke on Climate Change and Trauma: Mental Health Challenges in a Rapidly Changing World, noted that studies have shown correlation between increasing temperatures and rising aggression and suicide rates. According to him, extreme heat can lead to both physical and psychological exhaustion, which can be traumatic.
To build resilience, Dr Okoro advocated for a drastic reduction in emissions causing climate change through energy efficiency, the use of clean energy, and sustainable transportation systems. He also emphasized the need to manage climate change risks through flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and hazard mitigation planning.
A keynote speaker, Dr. Dare Ajiboye, immediate past General Secretary of BSN and a Life Coach, stated that the challenge posed by trauma would persist as long as the world remains characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity, and disruption.
Dr. Ajiboye traced the origin of trauma to the Bible, citing examples such as Adam and Eve suffering trauma after their fall, Samson being betrayed by his wife, Elijah being threatened by Jezebel, and Job losing everything he had in a short period. He recommended coping, curative, and preventive strategies to deal with trauma.
As a coping strategy, he suggested identifying and avoiding trauma stressors, while, as a curative strategy, he advised treating the root cause of trauma rather than just the symptoms. For preventive strategies, he encouraged individuals to take proactive measures to prevent trauma-inducing situations.
Speaking earlier, Frederick Barasa, a representative of The American Bible Society, noted that trauma healing has become a global movement, with over 117 countries actively engaged in trauma healing management. According to him, the Trauma Healing Institute helps churches address the effects of trauma, grief, and loss by integrating biblical and mental health principles into their resources.
The two-day event also featured panel discussions and the sharing of reports and experiences from different Bible Societies across Africa.
For churches or organisations interested in trauma management training, kindly send an email to grace@biblesociety-nigeria.org or call 080159094138