Alfred Oyekoya, a British-Nigerian mental health advocate, has been awarded the prestigious honour of being appointed a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his committed and outstanding services to his community.
Oyekoya is the Director of BAME Mental Health Support (BMHS), and his distinguished career spanning voluntary, public, and private sectors has earned him this well-deserved recognition.
He has always been a vocal advocate for positive change, and his culturally relevant approach involves not only addressing the stigmas attached to mental health but also building resilience in community groups.
Through his initiative, BMHS, Oyekoya has positioned the organization as a trusted support network for minority ethnic groups in Wales who face many health inequalities.
He has worked collaboratively with several organizations to address these inequalities and has been a constant voice for those who are underrepresented in society.
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Oyekoya’s voluntary role as one of the Poverty Truth Commissioners with Swansea Local Authority has been instrumental in enhancing collaboration with diverse groups of individuals to amplify the voices and experiences of those affected by poverty.
He regularly consults with the Welsh Government and other national panels to ensure that these issues are addressed, and the necessary support is provided.
Oyekoya’s commitment to his work is evident in the way BMHS supports over 1,500 individuals monthly, despite the absence of a digital footprint due to the privacy of service users.
This recognition by King Charles III aligns with the New Year Honours list, which recognizes the achievements and services of people across the United Kingdom (UK), from all walks of life.
More than 1,200 recipients were awarded for their exceptional achievements, and individuals were recognized for being dedicated community champions, role models in sports, pioneers in the arts, passionate health workers, and supporters of young people.
Oyekoya’s recognition as an MBE recipient underscores the importance of grassroots efforts and further strengthens his motivation to continue advocating for positive change and well-being.
