A rights advocacy group, Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Foundation, has lauded sentencing of a Lagos bishop, Oluwafeyiropo Daniels, to life jail for raping his assistant.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Ms Anthonia Ojenagbon, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday that the judgment was landmark.
NAN reports that Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court convicted and sentenced Daniels on Friday.
Ojenagbon said that the judgment was victory for all survivors of sexual abuse in Nigeria.
According to her, the judgment serves as a deterrent to everyone who manipulates vulnerable girls and women.
She also thanked the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ekiti State Branch, to which the case was first reported in 2020.
She said: “This judgment shows beaming hope that survivors will get justice and perpetrators of this evil act will, one day, find themselves in a place where they will not be able to escape.
“I want to say that this is victory for every survivor of sexual violence and rape case in Nigeria.”
She also thanked the survivors for coming out to testify against the cleric, while praising Lagos State Government for having zero tolerance for any form of sexual and gender-based violence.
Also reacting, the Founder of Stop the Abuse Against Children and Women Foundation, Mrs Toyin Taiwo-Ojo, said that the judgment would restore faith in the church and the entire society.
Taiwo-Ojo, also the lead counsel to the survivors, said that the judgment showed that morality was protected by the judiciary.
The Lagos-based lawyer said: “This is another win for sexual violence and rape survivors.
“We have seen men of God committing this crime over and over again.”
NAN reports that Oshodi also sentenced the bishop to three years imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 19-year-old member of the church.
Daniels was charged on four counts bordering on rape, attempted rape and sexual assault.
Oshodi discharged and acquitted him on two counts. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
The NEPC Executive Director, Nonye Ayeni presenting the non-oil export performance for the year 2023 in Abuja on Thursday.
By Lucy Ogalue
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says the volume of Nigeria’s non-oil export in 2023 stood at 6.685 million metric tonnes of exportable products.
The Executive-Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, said this on Thursday, in Abuja, during the presentation of the non-oil export performance for the year 2023.
Ayeni said this continued increase in volume of the nations non-oil export, reaffirms the widely held assertion that the sector held the key to the revitalisation of the country’s economy.
“An increase in the volume and value of exportable goods and services and the repatriation of export proceeds will enhance foreign exchange inflow into the country.
“It will also help to stabilise the value of the Nigerian Naira.
“For this reason, my management team and I have resolved to double our efforts towards playing our part in repositioning the sector for sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” she said.
The executive-director, however, acknowledged a decline in monetary terms of our export from about 4.8 billion dollars in 2022 to 4.5 billion dollars in 2023.
Ayeni listed the factors responsible for the decline to include political instability in many exportable countries, rejection of some of our products, and exchange rate, among others.
She therefore expressed the council’s commitment to tackle most of these challenges to ensure growth of sector in the shortest possible time.
“This aligns with the Industrial Revitalisation Agenda of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“For job creation, poverty alleviation and economic growth, development and diversification.
“Considering that one of the major challenges facing exporters is the issue of export reject, the Council is already addressing the issues.
“By collaborating with relevant authorities to create awareness, build capacity in the area of good agricultural practices, labelling and packaging and ensure adherence to quality and standards of our exports in the global market,” she said.
On products exported, the NEPC boss said 273 different products were reported to have been exported in the period under review ranging from manufactured, semi-processed, solid minerals to agricultural commodities.
She said this figure reflected a notable increase of approximately 28.04per cent compared to the preceding year.
Ayeni said the Pre-shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs), listed some among the top 20 products exported in 2023 to include Urea, Cocoa Beans, Sesame Seed, Soya Beans/meal, Cashew Nuts/Kernels, Aluminum Ingots and Hibiscus Flower.
”The top commodities in terms of total exported products were Urea/Fertilizer, which accounted for 20.10 per cent while Cocoa Beans came second at 13.19 per cent.
“Sesame Seeds took the third position at 9.03 per cent, and there were quite a number of other exportable products that contributed significantly to this huge volume of exports recorded in 2023.
” So many exportable products and their derivatives such as wheat, bran. Lithium, ore, and sorghum are progressively gaining prominence as the demand for these products in the global market continues to increase.
” While their contributions are still in the process of attaining significant levels, their regular inclusion on the export table suggests a growing presence in the export landscape,” Ayeni said.
The executive director said that the top-20 exporting companies in Nigeria, Indorama-Eleme Fertilizer, and Chemical Limited took the lead with 524,327,305.66 dollars in value.
Ayeni said Dangote Fertilizer Limited recorded the second-highest value of 383,071,252.58 dollars, respectively, adding that other companies also made significant contributions in that space.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Nigeria’s non-oil products penetrated markets across 124 countries in the Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and Africa.
Thirteen member countries of ECOWAS (excluding Cape Verde) actively imported Nigerian products with 1,145 exporting companies actively exporting Nigeria’s products in the year 2023.
According to the NEPC boss, this figure can be improved with adequate funding, capacity building, and mentorship. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it processed 688,097 metric tonnes of export goods with Free-On-Board (FOB) worth $701.8 million in 2023.
The Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, said this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.
Odusanya also said that 18, 407 containers of 20 feet and 40 feet were processed for export weighing 688,097 metric ton.
The customs boss explained that within the period, N2.2 billion was paid into the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) levy account.
Odusanya said that the Lilypond Export Command had significantly contributed to the national economic growth, noting that the feat was achieved through meticulous planning, efficient operations and collaboration with stakeholders.
He noted that a surcharge of N97.2 million was recorded based on the 2.5 per cent levy on the export of previously imported goods, in line with the 2022 fiscal policy of the Federal Government.
“The Lilypond Export Command of NCS was created in November 2022 as a key player in facilitation and promoting exports, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“The command with a commitment of excellence and collaboration, strives to optimise export processes and uphold the highest standards in international trade,” Odunsanya said.
He said the command had successfully processed export of various items and commodities.
According to him, these are categorised into classes such as agricultural products, extractive and solid minerals, miscellaneous items, and manufactured goods.
This, he added, was to ensure ease of classification for national planning and statistics.
He pointed out that for agricultural produce, cocoa, sesame seeds, hibiscus flowers, cashew nuts and others are considered as highest activity and account for export earrings of $315.99 million
For the extractive and solid minerals, he said that iron, aluminum, copper, manganese, lead, zinc, lithium ores and ingots amount to $182.38 million.
“Miscellaneous items which include assorted locally sourced foodstuffs, personal effects and previously imported items amounted to $118,941,832.85 cents.
“The manufactured goods which consist of exports of locally produced good such as cigarettes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, household goods recorded an export earnings of $84,469,055.93 cent on these items,” he said.
The controller also aappreciated the collaborative efforts of sister agencies and stakeholders in promoting and sustaining the growth of exports.
He added that the successful outcome recorded in 2023 underscore the vital role of data and statistics in strategic planning for national economic development.
“Building on the successes of the previous year, our focus remains on delivering even greater efficiency, transparency and collaboration to benefit all stakeholders involved in the export process.
On operational procedures, Odunsanya said that efforts were made to streamline processes, including the establishment of multiple export points.
These, he said, include Ikorodu, Okokomaiko, and others, with the aim of improving efficiency and reducing the need for exporters to physically visit the command for assistance.
“We have officers resident in those areas so that there would not be any delay in jobs,” he said.
He said that one of the challenges the command faced had to do with making people to be aware of the existence of a one-stop-shop command dedicated to export.
“The state of the road initially was chaotic, it took a long time for export cargoes to enter the port.
“Export is a very sensitive business; there are perishables, time bound cargoes and Nigeria is not the only players in the export business. We have other countries there like Ghana and others, and nobody wants to listen to talks about local problems in the country.
“With the sanitisation of the road, and the introduction of the e-call-up system, movement to the port is more free.
“Presently, the movement of containers from the Diamond Star Terminal is an average of 70 or more everyday, unlike before they were not able to push 10 when the road is chaotic,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
A group, Civil Society Group for Good Governance (CSGGG) has commended President Bola Tinubu, for taking a swift action to suspend those involved in the N438 million contract scandal.
Mr Ogakwu Dominic, Convener, CSGGG said this during a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that Tinubu`s action shows that the government under his watch was committed to nipping corruption in the bud.
Dominic said CSGGG partners with the government and other stakeholders in the discharge of her responsibilities.
”Our attention has been drawn to the recent allegations of fraudulent activities besieging the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and her minister.
”Our concern however is the baton of judgment it has on other persons who are in no way connected to the allegations, hence the need for this new conference.
”As watchdogs of the society, we are not partisan to social media judgment, court or condemnation, we do not buy into activities of people casting aspersions,” he said.
Dominic said the group condemns the discordant public opinion regarding the Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo’s involvement in the alleged N438 million Humanitarian Ministry contract.
Dominic urge the Anti-Graft agencies to be transparent and diligent in their investigation as the general public and the civil society community are interested in the outcome of the matter.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, with members of Rutgers University- Camden, led by its Chancellor, Antonio Tillis
By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The Federal Government has charged foreign universities operating in Nigeria to adhere strictly to the country’s guidelines on transnational education as developed by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, gave the directive in Abuja on Thursday, when he received in audience, the chancellor of Rutgers University- Camden.
Rutgers University- Camden is one of the oldest universities in the United States of America, established in 1776.
Sununu who presented a copy of the National guidelines on Transnational Education to the visiting chancellor of the University expressed Nigerian’s readiness to work with universities around the world in improving access to quality higher education.
Sununu said, “access to quality education is a priority of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and the ministry has taken the charge of the President seriously and will stop at nothing to deliver quality education to Nigerians”.
The minister tasked institutions of higher learning to collaborate with their foreign counterparts to train more professionals to replace those exiting the system instead of lamenting over the issue of brain drain.
He added that Nigeria had the capacity to provide significant chunk of manpower needed around the globe, given the country’s population.
Sununu lauded the collaborative efforts of the Rutgers University with the University of Lagos and Ibadan, maintaining that the ministry would do everything within the ambit of the law to encourage collaboration, especially in Science and Technology.
Speaking earlier, the Chancellor of Rutgers University, Antonio Tillis, said that the university was seeking to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Lagos.
Tillis said the university was also looking for collaboration with other Nigerian Universities in areas of research and exchange of academic programmes.
The Chancellor was accompanied on the working visit by the Senior Vice Chancellor of Rutgers University, Jimmy Jung.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha (middle) during an inspection on Third Mainland Bridge
By Grace Alegba
The Federal Government has announced a planned closure of the Iyana Oworonshoki-Adeniji Adele section of the Third Mainland Bridge from 11.00 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024.
The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made the announcement on Thursday in a statement.
Kesha said the closure would be done on the Lagos Island-bound carriageway of the bridge.
She appealed to motorists to obey traffic rules and use alternative routes to prevent hardship as comprehensive repairs continue on the highway.
“The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works wish to inform the motoring public that the emergency repairs of Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos will continue with the closure of Iyana Oworonshoki-Adeniji Adele bound for the effective repairs of the entire section of the bridge.
“Consequent upon the above, motorists are hereby advised to use alternative routes,” she said.
Kesha listed the alternative routes and links to include: Ojota-Ikorodu Road-Funsho Williams Avenue-Eko Bridge-Apogbon-CMS and Ojota-Ikorodu Road-Jibowu-Yaba-Oyingbo-Iddo-Carter Bridge-CMS.
Also listed was Gbagada-Anthony-Ikorodu Road-Funsho Williams-Eko Bridge-Apogbon-CMS.
“Motorists are further advised to cooperate with the traffic management officials deployed to manage traffic and ensure hitch- free movements in order to minimise the discomfort during this repair period.
“While thanking the general public for their past cooperation and understanding, more is expected this time around,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11.8kms Third Mainland Bridge undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation is the longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland.
The bridge starts from Oworonshoki, linked to the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and ends at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island.
It was constructed in 1990 and adjudged as the longest Bridge in Africa until 1996 when the Oct. 6 Bridge in Cairo, Egypt was completed.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Medical Director, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye
By Lilian U. Okoro
The Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Yaba has recorded 100 per cent increase in the number of psychiatric patients admitted in the hospital in 2023.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, made this known at the Annual Score Card presentation tagged: “A Day With the Medical Director” organised by the hospital on Wednesday in Lagos.
Owoeye said the total number of new cases increased by seven per cent, while there was three per cent increase in the number of follow-up patients male and female.
According to him, the increase in the admission cases can be attributed to the rising cases of mental health conditions in the country due to the current economic challenges accompanied by other socio-economic factors.
He said, ” It can be deduced that in 2023, the total number of all patients attendance increased by three per cent. There was a seven per cent increase in new cases attended, compared to no increase in 2022.
“We also have 100 per cent increase in admission cases in which the drug abuse cases is 10 per cent increase and discharge cases is reduced by 10 per cent.”
On the achievements recorded by the hospital within the period under review, Owoeye listed completion of the Administrative building, Yaba, rehabilitation of internal roads and drainages in Yaba and Oshodi annex of the hospital.
He said others included rehabilitation of hospital wards, Yaba and Oshodi annex, ongoing construction of work on the Tele- Psychiatric centre in the hospital, upgrading of the physiotherapy department and ongoing construction work on the Out-patients Clinic in the hospital among others.
“Under my watch as the medical director, major developmental projects were facilitated at different stages and times both in Yaba and Oshodi annex which has greatly improved the pictorial state and aesthetics value of the hospital as well as health service delivery compared to what it was in the time past.
“This had been made possible with funds released by the Federal Government for capital projects,” Owoeye said.
Owoeye identified inadequate manpower and funding as the two major challenges faced by the hospital within the year under review – 2023.
According to him, the recent exit of health professionals in the country in search of the proverbial green pasture has had its significant effects on the hospital manpower.
He emphasised the urgent need to put in place a system for the replacement of those that had left and reduce the bureaucratic bottlenecks with approval for replacement for those that had exited the system.
On prospect for 2024, Owoeye said that welfare of the staff would be prioritised and efforts would be made to boost manpower development and training of staff.
“In 2024, every effort will be made to ensure that all ongoing projects in the hospital are completed within the time frame.
“It is expected that the completion of these projects will further enhance the quality of mental health care service delivery in the hospital. We hope to embark on more new projects in 2024.
“With prudent management of the available resources, every effort will be made to attend to the welfare of the staff. It will be on the front burner of the management in 2024,” Owoeye said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Chioma Ugboma
Participants at the NSC retreat on Thursday in Lagos.
By Chiazo Ogbolu
The Chairman House Committee on Shipping Services, Mr Abdussamad Dasuki, says the committee is seeking a legal backing for the establishment of a Nigerian Shipping Commission.
Dasuki said this at the opening ceremony of a two-day strategy retreat for senior executives of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NCS) on Thursday in Lagos.
The retreat had the theme: “Strengthening the Economic Regulation of the Marine and Blue Economy for Sustainable Development.”
According to Dasuki, this move aims to bolster and regulate the country’s maritime sector, echoing the urgent need for an independent regulatory body.
Dasuki lamented the disparity in the sector’s existing contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) hovering around a meager one per cent and the anticipated 20 per cent.
He stressed the need for strategic interventions to bridge the gap and maximise the industry’s economic potential.
“I believe one of our takeaways here is we should have a Nigerian Shipping Commission, not a council. You are to be independent, you are to be commission. You are the regulator of this very important mission.
“We have not gotten the expected results from the economic activities emanating from the maritime industry. The challenge we believe is that regulatory agencies are not doing what they should do.
“There is a need to enhance the current legislation to have legal backing so that they ensure everything is done well. By doing that, we strongly believe that it will be a catalytic to revamp our industry.
“We are re-enacting the shippers council to be the maritime sector regulator, we are working on that,” he said.
He also highlighted the urgency of implementing the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), assuring prompt parliamentary facilitation to ensure its swift execution.
“You are one of the most critical pillars in this sector. With due respect to my colleagues in the National Assembly, we are part of a problem that Nigeria is facing today.
“If we had done the needful, if we had done the oversight expected from us, I believe we shouldn’t been where we are today at the moment. We are a nation.
“Based on that, I will take a vow that I, as the chairman of community shipping services, overseeing the NSC, I assure you, we are going to be partners in progress to all that is expected from you as the regulator of this sector,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Mr Akutah Ukeyima, emphasised that the two-day retreat plays a crucial role in steering the council towards achieving its objectives.
Ukeyima added that it would help to contribute significantly to the advancement of sustainable development within the maritime sector.
He underscored the need for aligning the council’s Key Performance Indicators with those of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
According to him, this is a foundational step in evaluating the council’s performance vis-à-vis the ministry’s expectations.
The council’s boss highlighted the retreat’s unique opportunity to foster in-depth discussions, debates, and idea generation pivotal to fortifying regulatory functions.
“It will help the council chart a definitive course aligned with it’s commitments outlined in the performance bond signed with the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,” he said.
Pushing for collective efforts, Ukeyima urged the participants to leverage their combined strengths, working collaboratively to ensure the council not only fulfills its obligations but emerges as a standout performer within the ministry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
L – R: Dr Oluwatomi Kogo, Managing Director, Iwosan Wellness Centre; Fola Laoye, CEO, Iwosan Investments; Joke Silva, Veteran Nollywood Actress; Dr Banji Awosika, Nephrologist & Wellness Expert at the launch of Iwosan wellness hub in Lagos.
By Lilian U. Okoro
The Iwosan Wellness Centre has launched a wellness hub to promote preventive health and lifestyle enhancement services in Lagos State.
Dr Oluwatomi Kogo, the Managing Director Iwosan Wellness Centre, made this known while speaking to newsmen during the launch on Thursday in Lagos.
Kogo explained that the wellness hub offers a distinctive blend of comprehensive medical wellness assessments and lifestyle enhancement services which foster health consciousness and allow individuals to live optimally.
She identified lifestyles and diet as the major determinants of human health.
According to her, the intention is to make people realise that lifestyle habits have a long-term effect on ones body and health.
“Iwosan centre is where you get both medical and lifestyle wellness in one place.
“The objective is to make people have extreme health and take ownership of their health. Extreme health is an ongoing process; it is not a one-stop thing; it is something you have to continue doing.
“And the way to really achieve it is by doing the right, which entails taking ownership of your health by doing things that will make you look younger, healthier, happier and be able to live long.
“And is just by doing simple things including taking up exercises, eating well, relaxing, sleeping well, resting well and having the right mindset.
“Our intention is to make people realise that lifestyles habit and changes have a long-term effect on ones body and health,” she said.
Kogo decried poor life expectancy in Nigeria which she attributed it to the lifestyle changes and habits being practiced by the citizens.
According to her, the objective is to take people who are under medication due to one ailment or the other, off the medication and place them on lifestyle activities.
“With a review of ones medical assessment, we will know the person’s current state of health and then, be able to help him plan his/her journey into extreme health using prescribed lifestyle activities like exercises and diet.
“Our focus is planned-based nutrition. For us, food is medicine; we eat to live, not that we live to eat, and that can be achieved by doing exercises everyday, eating planned-based meals and reduce the intake of animal products.
“Some people that already have some non-communicable diseases like diabetes and had been on medications can be taken off these medications through lifestyle activities and be put on the right track.
“People who have been diagnosed to be hypertensive can go into remission and never have it again. So, their blood sugar will be controlled for life.
“I have a friend who is diabetic; all she does is three hours in the gym everyday and her blood sugar has since been well controlled.
“Life expectancy in Nigeria is 56; which is really poor, we need get to the 80s and 90s. And the journey starts here with lifestyle activities – doing the right exercises and eating planned-based meals,” Koko said.
Also speaking, Dr Banji Awosika, a Consultant Nephrologist and Wellness Coach, said the idea was to foster lifestyle services, ranging from fitness programmes and nutrition consultations to stress management and mindfulness practices.
According to him, by seamlessly integrating medical insights with bespoke lifestyle services, Iwosan Wellness empowers individuals to proactively enhance their health, foster resilience, and embark on a transformative journey towards sustained well-being.
He said, “We are thrilled to introduce Iwosan Wellness to our community.
“It is a sanctuary for individuals who seek to embark on a transformative journey to extreme health and we are extremely methodical about tailoring our offerings to our clients specific needs based on their medical history.
“This facility embodies our commitment to providing holistic care and helping individuals to get the best out of life at any age.”
Iwosan Wellness is a purpose-driven wellness centre dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of services aimed at promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that attendees of the event participated in yoga and pilates sessions, nutrition masterclasses which featured live demonstration, massage sessions, as well as full body check-up. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Dignitaries at the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba on Wednesday in Lagos.
By Lilian U. Okoro
A Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Jibril Abdulmalik, has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward addressing the social determinants/factors that were worsening mental health conditions in Nigeria.
Abdulmalik, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry, UCH Ibadan, made the call at the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba on Wednesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event has the theme: “Worsening Social Determinants of Mental Health in Nigeria: A Case for Higher Priority for Mental Health”.
He said that the government had 90 per cent responsibility to proffer solution to the factors contributing to increase of mental health cases; thereby provide the enabling environment for the citizens to thrive.
According to him, it is the statutory responsibility of government to guarantee a peaceful environment and ensure that people are lifted out of poverty and are economically empowered to be able to carry out their responsibilities.
“The major role of the government includes safeguarding the safety of lives and property.
“We need to have a peaceful environment devoid of crime, insecurity; an environment where people can flourish and be able to fullfil their potential in order for them to enjoy good mental health.
“If you have to go to sleep with one eye closed, you cannot sleep well and if you don’t sleep well, you will not be well rested. So, safety of lives and property are paramount.
“And all these leads to frustration, anxiety and depression; which in turn affects and worsens the state of mental health of the people.
“So, it is the statutory responsibility of the government to guarantee safety of the economy and ensure that social determinants are put in place to improve the overall wellbeing of the citizens, including their mental health,” he said.
Prof. Taiwo Obindo, the President, Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria (APN), says that Nigerians are prone to mental illnesses, due to the visible economic hardships in the country.
Obindo, a Keynote Speaker at the event, said that the current economic hardship, coupled with the level of insecurity in the country might likely inflict mental illness on more Nigerians.
According to him, the Nigerian society is a culture medium for organisms that put people at risk of mental illness.
“These include inflation, poverty, child abuse, rape, broken homes and broken marriages, financial problems, traumatic experiences and degrees of violences among others
”In some cases, the individuals may not even know they are being exposed to mental health conditions; but the truth remained that the social crisis are taking a toll on the mental health well-being of the citizens.
“If you look at the degrees of social crisis and hardships and compare it with what goes on in other climes, you will discover that we have a greater predisposition to developing mental illness,” he said.
The Medical Director, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, called for education of the populace on the social determinants of mental health and how to cope with them.
Owoeye said the citizens need to be sensitized on these factors that could affect their mental health to enable them apply the necessary coping mechanisms in order not to be affected.
He emphasised the need for integration of mental health services into primary healthcare and other health programmes to promote easy access.
“Mental health services should be integrated into the primary healthcare system, HIV and Cancer programmes so that more people both in the urban cities and grassroot can easily have access to it,” Owoeye said.
Dr Tolu Ajomale, Coordinator, Mental Health Desk, Lagos State Ministry of Health, enjoined the psychiatric professionals to leverage on various opportunities abound in the mental health subsector.
According to him, psychiatric professionals can expand the telemedicine services, develop business model/care or startup collaborations with cooperate bodies.
He added that they could start up a drug treatment facility through which, a lot of people could have access to mental health services.
He said, “Basically, the point is that while several challenges exist within the system, a number of opportunities also exist.
“Some of the opportunities can be leverage on using technology to develop business model/care where locally trained doctors that based oversees can be rendering mental health services using the telemedicine system”.
Earlier, Dr Adesina Ismail, President of ARD, said that more than half of the number of mental health workers had been attracted to foreign countries.
According to him, the development is made worse, as there are fewer mental health workers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists and others, in the country, to treat and manage patients.
In his welcome speech, Ismail urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to address the factors driving the increase of brain drain in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Vivian
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