society
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A 2-DAY EVENT ORGANISED BY THE NOUS ORGANISATION
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A 2-DAY EVENT ORGANISED BY THE NOUS ORGANISATION AND SPARKLE FOUNDATION ON BREAKING THE BARRIERS OF MENTAL HEALTH IN A CHANGING WORLD, HELD ON NOVEMBER 2-3, 2018, AT THE MAINLAND LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREA, YABA.
INTRODUCTION
The Nous Foundation Nigeria in collaboration with Sparkle Foundation held a 2-day event on November 2-3, 2018.
The theme of the event was “Breaking the Barriers of Mental Health in a Changing World”.
It was aimed at fostering institutional and community mechanism or framework and concerted efforts by all and sundry that would promote the awareness about mental health and putting a stamp NO to ending stigmatization and discrimination at the local, national and sub-regional levels – realizing the interconnectedness and importance of mental health at these different spheres of our social life.
The event, which kicked off with an awareness walk on November 2nd, 2018 at exactly 8:00am in the morning from Jibowu bus stop down to Yaba Local Council Development Area with musical fanfare – a non-stop atmosphere of fun, music and education of the road with the people of the community at the grass root level while the seminar took place at the same Council on November 3rd, 2018 considered several issues of urgent importance by seasoned speakers on the construct of mental health including, but not limited to: stress, depression and anger; the challenge for young people, mental health; the crisis, causes and care, faith; a solution or myth in recovery and mental health, etc.
In her remarks, the Convener, The Nous Organization, Lade Olugbemi, said that due to the increasing cases of mental issues including suicide and drug abuse, there was an urgent need to talk about mental health. Olugbemi further stressed that the organization is passionate about creating awareness and willing to collaborate with professionals in mental health. “We cannot stop talking about mental health, because it is a condition that can affect anybody. “ It is important that professionals in the field collaborate with organizations to educate people and this should be sustained.
“Also, the government needs to put in place enabling environment for people to thrive and achieve their potentials in life,’’ she urged. More importantly, she sighted a good example of how her generation resolves personal issues amicably unlike the young people of today who will rather fight on social media platforms than to resolve personal issues off social media. “A lot of our young people are going through pressures. And this pressures are so immense we can’t allow them to go life alone,” she clamored.
Mrs Olasimbo Ojuroye, the CEO of Sparkle stated that she collaborated with Nous Foundation because she believe that mental health is a conversation that should also be taking place at grassroots. No one should be left out
Dr. Oluwaniyi representing the acting medical director of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba., Dr. Otefe Edebi, a Psychiatrist with over a decade’s experience both in the public and private sector in mental health practice, hospital management., Dr. [Mrs] Oyekanmi, a renowned Adolescent Mental Health Psychiatrist Consultant., and the indefatigable Mrs. Grace Alexander, a Disability Specialist, all noted with concerns the worrisome trends of suicide, depression, and lack of proper education on mental health amongst the demographic of young people.
Participants at the events included the members of World Health Committee, leaderships and staff members of both Local Government Councils in Yaba and others within Lagos, Teachers, Students, Community leaders, and the general public, etc. In the course of deliberation, participants at the event noted the following:
1. The state of mental health care delivery in Nigeria is worrisome. This is despite efforts by organizations like The Nous Organization and Sparkle Foundation. The reasons for this situation include: infrastructural deficits/decay; stigmatization and discrimination against those with mental illness; low level of employment of human resources for health, and; inadequate funding of mental health awareness.
2. The requisite attention for capacity-building through the training and re-training of health personnel on mental health has not been given by different tiers of government. There is equally the need for the development of a community framework that will be used for basic training of human resource for health to properly integrate new knowledge, inter alia.
That said. Conversely, after the event participants noted the following:
1. What will I do differently? I will never stigmatize because the workshop has equipped me with enhanced knowledge, understanding of how to respond to Mental Health issues.
2. The understanding that our mental health is intimately connected with our behavior, physical health, educational attainments, human development, social development, economic development, and employability.
3. The wrong use of terms such as mad persons rather than people living with mental illness.
4. The ‘open mic session’ gave them the opportunity to express themselves in language they understand as there was availability of interpreter.
5. Finally, the participants asked there must be continuity of such event so that more people can be better informed.
CONCLUSION
The participants expressed their satisfaction at the work being done at the grassroots level by The Nous Organization Nigeria and Sparkle Foundation. They agreed to establish lasting relations that would be leveraged towards consummating the quest for mental health awareness for all in Nigeria and indeed in Africa, and the world as a whole. Also, the participants agreed to change their use of certain terms when discussing about mental illness.
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.
The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.
He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.
“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.
“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.
“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”
The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.
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