Health
“A mentally healthy nation, is a more productive nation”, Peter Obi commemorates World Mental Health Day
Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has taken to his X (formerly Twitter) account on October 10, 2024, to commemorate World Mental Health Day with the global community.
Speaking, Mr. Obi stated that “a mentally healthy nation, is a more productive nation” and called for concerted efforts to raise awareness about mental health.
Mr. Obi encouraged support for those experiencing mental health issues in the society.
The former presidential candidate said that a mentally healthy nation is a more productive nation.
He stated that the redundant economy is caused by hunger, poverty and income inequalities.
And it has continued to increase the mental health menace in the society as tweeted.
Give attention to nental health menace
He disclosed the need to give attention to mental health, being the critical contributor to national development in Nigeria
In his tweet, Peter Obi: “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 prioritize 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.
“A New Nigeria is POssible,” he concluded.
Obi calls for quick response on economic downturn
In an earlier reported by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the former LP presidential candidate expressed serious concerns about Nigeria’s economic downturn since 2015.
He posted the comments on his “X” (formerly Twitter) handle on July 22, 2024.
He underlined the distinction between Nigeria’s economic performance during the country’s early democratic years and its current state.
He wrote: “When Nigeria returned to democratic governance in 1999, it maintained an average GDP growth of about 6.72% for 16 years from 1999-2014.”
The former governor of Anambra State did point out that this progress was fleeting.
He noted that Nigeria’s economy has dropped from first to become the continent’s fourth largest by 2023.
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