In a statement commemorating World Mental Health Day, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has highlighted the critical need for increased awareness and support for mental health issues in Nigeria.
Writing on his X-Handle Obi emphasized that mental health is often neglected but plays a vital role in the overall health sector, significantly affecting national productivity.
He noted that the ongoing economic challenges, including hunger and poverty, alongside socio-political factors, have led to a rise in mental health cases across the country.
According to the National Institute of Health, between 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer from various mental ailments, with suicide rates escalating due to anxiety and depression.
He also pointed out that drug abuse contributes to the mental health crisis, with approximately 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 affected by addiction.
Obi called for a collective effort to prioritize mental health, urging leaders to invest in health infrastructure and implement supportive policies. He encouraged individuals to seek help for mental health challenges and to offer support to those in need.
His statement reads,
“Today, I join the Global Community in commemorating World Mental Health Day, on which we raise awareness of mental health issues while encouraging concerted efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues in our nation.
“Though not often well talked about, mental health remains a very critical component of our health sector, which if not given due attention, greatly impacts negatively on our productivity as a nation.
“A healthy nation, they say, is a wealthy nation. I dare say, a mentally healthy nation, is a more productive nation.
“In Nigeria, mental health remains one of the critical health issues not given the due attention it deserves.
“The worsening economic situation resulting from hunger, poverty, and income inequalities in the country, coupled with other socio-political issues affecting the nation, have continued to fuel a growing menace of mental health cases.
“The National Institute of Health reports that about 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer various forms of mental ailment.
“This translates to about 1 in every 5 Nigerians, battling with mental health issues. Suicide cases in the country, fueled by anxiety and depression, have remained on the increase.
“It is reported that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of suicide and depression in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The current rate of suicide in Nigeria is 9.50% out of 100,000 people.
Drug abuse is also another contributor to mental health decadence in our society.
“According to reports, an estimated 14.3 million people aged between 15 and 64 years in Nigeria, are addicted to drugs and substance abuse. Nigeria is also ranked 3rd most stressful country in the world, which contributes to different mental illnesses in the nation.
“The above grim statistics reflect the lack of attention given to mental health, a critical contributor to national development in our society.
A nation that truly wants to improve its productive capacity must pay attention to the health of its citizens.
“A day like this reminds us, as leaders, to prioritise the well-being of our people, by not only investing more in the health sector but putting in place policies and measures that will improve the lives of our people through improved standards of living.
“We are also reminded as a people to always seek medical attention when faced with any mental health challenge and to show love and support to our people who are already contending with the challenge.
“We remain committed to building a New Nigeria where everyone’s well-being will be prioritized.”