As conversations around men’s mental health continue to gain momentum, wellness advocate Maje Ayida believes that true wellbeing extends far beyond physical fitness. A Nigerian Wellness Coach and CEO of the award-winning health and fitness brand Eden Lifestyle, Maje has spent years encouraging healthier lifestyles through corporate wellness programmes, media engagements, public speaking, and community initiatives.
Known for his appearances on television and radio, his newspaper columns, and as host of the award-winning lifestyle radio show The Eden Corner, Maje has become one of Nigeria’s most recognisable voices in the wellness space. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition among The Guardian’s 60 People Making Nigerian Lives Matter, inclusion in the MIPAD 100 Most Influential Africans globally, and most recently, the Corporate Wellness Champion 2026 award from the Institute of Registered Exercise Professionals (IREP).
From launching the annual School Fitness Roadshow to partnering with the Lagos State Sports Commission on the Keep Fit Lagos campaign and introducing the Eden Wellness Festival series, Maje has remained committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
In this conversation, he shares insights on men’s mental health, the pressures many fathers silently carry, the importance of community, and the practical habits that can help men build healthier, more balanced lives.
You have built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading wellness advocates. What first inspired your passion for health, fitness and wellness?
I would say revealed, not inspired. I was active and sporty right from childhood, thanks to a tennis-playing father and attending schools that made sports mandatory. This already gave me a mindset that prioritised being active.
As an adult living and working in Abuja in my early thirties, I noticed there was just one suitable place I could play basketball and I realised I was more excited about the possibility of giving people spaces for exercise than the banking industry that I was in. I saw a non-existent wellness industry in Nigeria and felt at that point that I wanted a hard pivot into fitness and wellness.
It wasn’t quite a smooth transition as I didn’t know how much of a fire was lit until I connected with a life coach after some time in the employment wilderness. Then it went from ideas to action.
Can you tell us about the journey that led to the creation of Eden Lifestyle and the vision behind the brand?
When I decided to step into wellness, I wanted to bring the Virgin brand of gyms to Nigeria and proceeded to go to South Africa for franchise meetings. However, standing on a basketball court in Abuja on a random Tuesday, I had a conversation with a teammate and decided, why bring in Virgin when I can build a Nigerian brand?
The name Eden popped into my head at that moment and never left. The vision was to encourage Nigerians to start a new wellness journey, a new beginning that prioritises personal health. The mission still stands today, to positively impact the low life expectancy of the average Nigerian.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month encourages important conversations around emotional wellbeing. In your experience, what are some of the biggest mental health challenges facing men today?
Men face intense pressure to be providers, remain emotionally strong and avoid showing vulnerability. Economic uncertainty, unemployment, rising living costs and the expectation to support extended family networks can create significant stress and anxiety.
At the same time, cultural norms often discourage men from talking openly about their emotions or seeking professional help, leading many to struggle in silence with depression, burnout, substance misuse and feelings of isolation.
Increasing awareness, normalising honest conversations and improving access to affordable mental health support are essential to helping Nigerian men prioritise their emotional wellbeing.
How would you define wellness beyond physical fitness, particularly for men navigating the pressures of modern life?
For men navigating the pressures of modern life, especially in Nigeria, wellness means achieving balance across multiple areas of life: mental, emotional, social, financial and spiritual wellbeing, alongside physical health.
It’s about having the self-awareness to manage stress, build meaningful relationships, maintain a sense of purpose and seek support when needed. True wellness is not defined by how much you can endure in silence, but by your ability to recover, adapt and thrive while meeting the demands of everyday life.
It’s about creating sustainable habits that support long-term health, resilience and fulfilment.
As a wellness coach, what warning signs should men pay attention to when stress, burnout or emotional strain begin affecting their health?
Men should pay attention to subtle changes that get dismissed as “just being busy”. Persistent fatigue, poor sleep, irritability, loss of motivation, difficulty concentrating and withdrawing from family or friends can all be early warning signs of stress and burnout.
Physical symptoms such as frequent headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, erectile dysfunction, changes in appetite, elevated blood pressure or relying more heavily on alcohol, smoking or other unhealthy coping mechanisms should also raise concern.
Men usually express emotional strain through frustration, anger, overworking or emotional numbness rather than sadness, which can make the signs easy to miss. It seems the one emotion men are allowed is anger.
If these changes persist for several weeks and begin affecting work performance, relationships or daily functioning, then it becomes important to check in with them.
What are some practical daily habits men can adopt to protect both their physical and mental wellbeing?
This doesn’t require drastic changes. It starts with consistent daily habits. For men, prioritising the basics makes a massive difference.
Aim for regular movement each day, whether it’s strength training, walking, stretching or playing a sport you enjoy. Prioritise quality sleep, eat balanced meals, stay hydrated and moderate alcohol and caffeine intake.
Just as importantly, create space for mental recovery. Schedule short breaks during the day, every 90 minutes if possible, to practise mindfulness, deep breathing or simply take a walk. It’s also good to set boundaries around work to avoid constant connectivity.
Don’t wait for a crisis before opening up about how you’re feeling. Small, consistent actions are more powerful than occasional big efforts when it comes to long-term wellness.
The Conversation Continues…
This is only part of our exclusive cover conversation with Maje Ayida. In the full interview, he opens up about the silent pressures fathers carry, why community is essential for men, the biggest misconceptions about masculinity and vulnerability, his thoughts on raising emotionally healthy boys, and the legacy he hopes to leave through wellness.
Download the latest edition of Exquisite Magazine to read the complete interview and discover more exclusive features, inspiring conversations and lifestyle stories.
Download your digital copy here
