During the course of my work with orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), I have come to realise that some orphans are more vulnerable than others. In particular, those suffering from mental health challenges face the twin problems of stigma and marginalisation and need careful 'handling'. I can give one example. I met Ladi Bako, one of Gede's OVC beneficiaries who lost her parents due to an attack by Boko Haram. One can only imagine the trauma she has experienced through losing her parents in such a violent way. It is not surprising that Ladi herself is now suffering from both trauma and depression. in turn, this has meant that it has been difficult to concentrate and to focus on her income generating work in particular - and has shown me how close mental health is to economic vulnerability for so many OVC living in Nigeria

John Adakolo