By Fasilat Lawal
Mental Health Disorder is not a death sentence.
This was stated by stakeholders during an advocacy to reduce the rate of Mental Health Challenges in the society.
They stated this at an event, organized by Asido Foundation to Mark 2025 Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay Competition, JAME , and award held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
One of the stakeholders who is a Professor and Consultant of Urologist at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Professor Olayiwola Shittu said Mental health disorder was treatable and anyone going through it should seek medical help.
In a Keynote address, an Ambassador of Mental Health, Asido Foundation, Professor Remi Raji explained that mental health was one of the major health challenges in the country which could prevent anyone diagnosed with it from making meaningful contributions to the society.
Professor Raji called for massive and aggressive enlightenment campaign by stakeholders in indigenous languages to create more awareness on the illness.
In a Remark, Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, represented by a Permanent Secretary, Dr Tunde Aremu expressed readiness of the state government to partner Asido Foundation in tackling the health challenge.
Founder, Asido Foundation, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Dr Jibril Abdulmalik noted that the annual JAME essay competition and award was to create Mental Health disorder awareness among young minds and to remember the late Pioneer Programme Manager of the Foundation, Jemila Abubakar for her selfless service to humanity.
Dr Abdulmalik who urged all stakeholders and well-meaning individuals to promote mental health disorder awareness said government should review its policy on stiffer punishment for people who attempt sucide saying they need care and rehabilitation not punishment.
The event featured presentation of cash prizes to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners of the essay competition, presentation of awards and decoration of New Ambassadors of Asido Foundation.
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