Lagos, Nigeria – Tonye Patrick Cole, a prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, has successfully conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in an effort to raise awareness and funds for mental health in Nigeria.
Cole’s journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak was not just a personal challenge but a mission to highlight the growing mental health crisis facing many young Nigerians. His goal was to raise ₦500 million for the Behavioural Health Institute (BHI), an organization he co-founded to expand access to mental health care in the country.
The funds raised through Cole’s Kilimanjaro expedition will be used to provide free therapy and coaching to 1,000 Nigerian youth, train mental health professionals, and integrate technology solutions to improve access to care.
“This climb isn’t just about a personal goal,” Cole said. “It’s about creating real change for thousands of Nigerian youths struggling with mental health.”
Nigeria faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals, leaving many young people without access to the support they need. Through BHI, Cole is working to address this issue by leveraging technology, offering capacity-building programs, and increasing the availability of mental health services nationwide.
The Kilimanjaro expedition is sponsored by Leatherback, a global financial technology provider.
