Posted by Niger Delta Youth Council
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – In a bold and emotional showcase, the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Cradle Steps Foundation, and the Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) Worldwide, unveiled a compelling stage play titled “Dark Whisper”—a production focused on raising mental health awareness across the Niger Delta region.
Held at the University of Port Harcourt’s main auditorium, the play attracted a diverse audience including students, mental health professionals, civil society advocates, and government representatives. Dark Whisper delved deep into themes of psychological trauma, depression, societal neglect, and the unspoken struggles faced by many, particularly among youths and security personnel.
Portraying the emotional rollercoaster of living with unseen pain, Miss Deinma Amadi delivered a stellar performance as the lead character, embodying the internal struggles of those silently battling mental health issues. She was joined by Adaeze Unoma Peace, another outstanding actress whose performance brought depth, power, and authenticity to the production. Together, the cast received a standing ovation for their thought-provoking delivery and powerful message.
The event also served as the grand finale of the Mental Health Awareness Campaign across Imo State, Bayelsa State, and Rivers State, a collaborative initiative aimed at breaking the stigma around mental health, promoting healing, and encouraging open dialogue among youths, families, and institutions.
Among the distinguished speakers at the event was Engr Jator Abido, National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide, who described the play as “a timely and necessary call to action.”
> “Mental health is often whispered about, but rarely addressed head-on. This play breaks the silence and calls on our communities, leaders, and institutions to act with compassion and urgency,” he said.
Also speaking was Engr Beke Apere, a respected Board of Trustees (BOT) member of NDYC, who applauded the partnership between youth, academia, and development institutions:
> “This initiative is a model of the kind of collaboration we need to address the growing mental health concerns in the Niger Delta. We must continue to use art, education, and engagement as tools for healing and awareness,” he emphasized.
Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, stressed the importance of using theatre to address societal issues:
> “Theatre is not just entertainment—it is therapy, advocacy, and a mirror to our collective reality. We are proud to use our platform to shine light on mental health,” he said.
The NDDC reaffirmed its dedication to supporting youth development initiatives, while the Cradley Step Foundation vowed to take the campaign into rural communities and schools for deeper grassroots impact.
Dark Whisper is expected to tour institutions across the region as part of a broader mental health campaign, delivering a message of hope, healing, and collective responsibility.
Media Contact:
NDYC Media Team
Email: info@ndyc.org
Phone: 08030569148
University of Port Harcourt, Theatre Arts Dept.
Cradle Step Foundation – Rivers State