
Dr. Ehiz Odigie-Okpataku is a highly respected expert in behavioral change and public health communication. With a PhD focused on mental resilience, her work has profoundly influenced the fields of public health and mental health awareness, particularly within law enforcement agencies and military services.
Education:
Dr. Odigie-Okpataku holds degrees from several prestigious institutions, including the University of Lagos, University of Abuja, and Nassarawa State University. She has further enhanced her expertise through certifications from renowned universities such as Harvard Health, University of Washington, and the University of Adelaide, Australia, covering a broad range of topics from addiction management to global mental health.
Specializations:
Her areas of specialization include:
- Public Health Communication
- Behavioral Change Strategies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mental Resilience Training
- Psychosocial Support Systems
- Emotional and Social Intelligence
Professional Experience:
As the Executive Director of Steady Hope Support Initiative, Dr. Odigie-Okpataku leads various initiatives aimed at improving mental health support and resilience training. Her consultancy services have been sought by multiple governmental and non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and law enforcement agencies, both locally and internationally.
She has designed and implemented training programs for the Nigerian Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, and various military branches, focusing on mental health, PTSD, and cognitive fitness. Her contributions to the field extend to authoring significant reports, such as the IAC 2021 Mental Health Report on Nigeria.
Publications and Presentations:
Dr. Odigie-Okpataku is a prolific writer and speaker, having presented papers on platforms around the world. She designed the first Nigerian Army Handbook on PTSD and has facilitated numerous workshops and training sessions to promote mental health awareness and effective coping mechanisms.
Associations:
Dr. Odigie-Okpataku is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the British Psychological Society, the International Association for Counselling, and the Association for Counsellors, Matchmaking & Psychotherapy of Nigeria.
Recognition:
Her exceptional contributions to public health and mental well-being have earned her numerous accolades, including the recent Honorary Professorship Award from the American University of Business and Social Sciences and QAHE, recognizing her commitment to excellence in education and service delivery.
Personal Interests:
Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Odigie-Okpataku is passionate about community health communication and engagement, focusing on vulnerable groups and promoting mental health as a critical component of societal well-being.