Bubah’s organisation, The Sunshine Series, has been a trailblazer in innovative mental healthcare solutions, working to close the country’s wide treatment gap. Its initiatives include establishing Africa’s largest 24/7 toll-free mental health helpline, which is now integrated into Nigeria’s 112 national emergency number. Beyond emergency response, TSS has also influenced the National Mental Health Policy, trained and deployed lay counsellors in grassroots communities, and offered therapy services alongside corporate wellness programmes that promote mentally healthy workplaces.
These efforts have not only provided direct support for individuals in crisis but also shifted national conversations towards prevention, accessibility, and the reduction of stigma around mental health.
The 2025 Cascador cohort was drawn from over 400 applicants, with 40 percent female representation and strong participation from northern Nigeria. The programme aims to equip participants with tools to refine business models, strengthen strategies, and access both knowledge and funding critical for scaling their impact sustainably.
Reacting to her selection, Bubah described the programme as both an opportunity and a platform for collaboration. “Cascador is not just an opportunity to grow and scale our work; it is a platform to collaborate with fellow innovators who share a vision for transforming Nigeria’s future. I am honoured to represent the mental health sector in this powerful community of changemakers,” she said.
For TSS, the recognition is expected to bolster its capacity to expand services, deepen community engagement, and build scalable, culturally relevant mental healthcare models. With Cascador’s guidance and resources, the organisation is positioned to accelerate its mission of breaking stigma, promoting resilience, and driving lasting change in Nigeria’s approach to mental health.