Blog post: Reflections on laying the foundations for research in Nigeria

The R-NEET project has a blog that will run for the duration of the project funding. In this post Dr Zainab Mai Bornu reflects on her experience of leading the Nigerian team and working with the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) on the R-NEET project, providing a platform for young people in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta, to voice their concerns. The project offers valuable insights into the factors contributing to depression and resilience in youth, drawing on indigenous perspectives. The YAC has played a critical role in shaping the survey instruments and engaging with local communities, including gaining the support of elders in Bayelsa and Rivers State. This has laid the groundwork for inclusive collaboration. Additionally, the project focuses on understanding the everyday realities of youth, including conflict, inequality, and poverty, and how they navigate these challenges to maintain better-than-expected mental health. The collaboration with the YAC, as well as piloting the survey instruments, has been an enriching experience, allowing for direct engagement with youth and fostering trust for data collection. The project’s commitment to decolonizing knowledge-gathering and emphasizing participatory methods ensures that the experiences and perspectives of young people in the Niger Delta are at the forefront.