Ondo govt. calls for increased mental health awareness
Ondo State government has called for increased mental health awareness in the state as Nigeria marks the 2023 World Mental Health Day.
Commissioner for health, Dr Banji Ajaka, made the call on Tuesday in Akure, while speaking with journalists in commemoration of this year’s World Mental Health Day.
He called for increased partnership in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health issues in the state.
The theme of this year’s celebration is: “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.”
According to Mr Ajaka, mental health is an integral part of health and well-being of individuals which allows them to cope with the challenges of life, connect with others and thrive throughout their lives.
He, however, expressed the regret that mental health was the least discussed and usually misdiagnosed in the African clime, adding that it had continued to put pressure on the healthcare system.
The commissioner stated that the state government was strategising and training healthcare workers in various hospitals and basic health centres to make mental healthcare accessible, available and affordable in all communities.
He said that government was also looking into the expansion and equipping of the Neuro-psychiatric Hospital in Akure to further ensure proper care for patients with mental health issues.
Mr Ajaka added that the Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led government had approved the recruitment of medical personnel in all areas of health care in all the 18 local government areas of the state.
He urged people of the state to shun drug abuse which, he said, was one of the causes of mental health issues, especially among the youth.
“Drug abuse is a major factor in our society today, especially amongst our youths.
“If you have stress in your life, abusing drugs isn’t the solution; get help from appropriate quarters.
“Engage in good practices, such as socialising, having good night’s sleep, eating healthy meals and setting daily goals,” he said.
The commissioner called for partnership in the training of staffers on mental health issues, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
He also appealed to individuals, groups and organisations to assist, saying that government alone cannot do it.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Education
61% candidates pass as NECO releases 2023 results
The NECO registrar said 61.60 per cent of candidates scored five credits and above, including English and Mathematics.
Lagos
Police declare influencer Killaboi wanted months after confessing to killing girlfriend
Killaboi confessed in a series of posts on his Instagram page that he stabbed the deceased in a heated argument.
States
Gov. Fintiri flags off construction of N21 billion road in Yola
According to Mr Fintiri, the road will be completed in 30 months.
States
NDLEA seizes 3.6 tonnes of illicit drugs, arrests 241 suspects in Kano
Mr Idris-Ahmad said the NDLEA secured 18 convictions of drug traffickers and users in the three months.
Economy
Reps to investigate use of dollar, other foreign currencies for domestic transactions
Mr Dabo recalled that in June 2023, President Bola Tinubu, through the CBN, announced changes to the country’s foreign exchange market.
Lagos
Three suspected fraudsters nabbed at Idumota market
Mr Hundeyin said the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) while holding an uncooperative victim hostage.
