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.
Life Patron Gen. Buratai Congratulates Newly Elected Lady Captain of TYBGRCC
ABUJA – The Tukur Yusufu Buratai Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBGRCC) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of Ms. Jumai Hajara Adamu as its Lady Captain.
The club’s Life Patron, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) CFR, former Chief of Army Staff, has extended his warm congratulations and full endorsement. “As the Life Patron, I am immensely proud to see a leader of your calibre step forward,” he stated. “Please be assured of my full and unwavering support throughout your tenure. I have every confidence that your leadership will be marked by significant achievements.”
The election, conducted by the club’s Board of Trustees and membership, highlights a unanimous confidence in Ms. Adamu’s vision and dedication to the sport and the club’s community.
In her acceptance address, the newly elected Lady Captain outlined a forward-looking agenda anchored on three key pillars: Unity, Development, and Inclusiveness. “I believe that golf is not just a sport but a powerful platform for friendship, discipline, mentorship, and community,” she stated, pledging to strengthen member bonds, encourage greater participation among ladies and youth, and enhance the club’s facilities.
Ms. Jumai Hajara Adamu, a respected member known for her active participation and organizational acumen, succeeds a line of distinguished past Lady Captains. She has pledged to build upon their legacy with transparency, teamwork, and accountability, ensuring every member feels heard and represented.
This appointment is seen as a significant step for the TYBGRCC, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, growth, and fostering a vibrant sporting community in the heart of the nation’s capital. The club anticipates a dynamic and prosperous term under her guidance.
About Tukur Yusufu Buratai Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBGRCC):
Located in Abuja, TYBGRCC is a premier golfing destination dedicated to promoting the sport of golf, fostering camaraderie, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle among its members and guests. It stands as a testament to world-class sporting and recreational facilities.
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
Business6 months agoBatsumi Travel CEO Lisa Sebogodi Wins Prestigious Africa Travel 100 Women Award
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING
You must be logged in to post a comment Login