society

Suicide is not an option…Says Non-Governmental Organization

Published

7 years ago

June 1, 2019

By Ifeoma Ikem

Barely 72 hour’s a Non-Governmental Organization, Stop the Abuse Foundation (STAF), preach against the increased rate of sucide cases in Nigeria,no fewer than another 5 case of sucide have been recorded.

STAF, organization come up with its first campaign, tagged ‘A walk for Hope’.said that depression is a common mental disorder characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally, enjoy, accompanied by inability to carry out on daily activities for at least 2 week.

Addressing the pressmen,in ikeja, along LCDA secretariat, convener,Toyin Ojo Ndidi,said there is increase in suicide among the younger ones in the society, who are taking their lives for various reasons know to them which may avoidable if we join hand to create more awareness.

She noted incessant rate of suicide is high which is awesome everyone should rise to preach against suicide is not the end of life, though living is not easy but its worth not ending someone life like that. Often, what leads to suicide, is a clinical condition called “depression” which can be managed medically.
‘’awareness is important, we need to preach more on this, it is no longer news on suicide attempt, but to make people aware of what depression is and its causes,there is hope for those that are depresssed,no matter the situation there is medical treatment.

During the campaign, placards with the message of hope that say, suicide causes more harm than good, suicide never ends pain but its transfers to love ones, suicide is not an option, say no to suicide, etc.

Speaking further,she said major cause of this depression among the youth is Unemployment. so we have right to life, government should implement the policies to make life easier for average Nigerians. Some clinical psychiatrist has given their contact so people can contact them for health issues and they will have someone to talk to without being judged.

Majority of social aid are just a minor organization but they are getting there.It has been mentioned that the conveyner is aware that a first reading for a bill have been passed but yet to be implemented, also, government are trying to do all they can to cater for what we need in hospitals, but the population of our country keeps increasing, so a bill should be passed against stigmatization of mental health issues because it limits people from voicing out.

The STAF message to Nigerians is that mental health challenge is real, it is just like having headache, so treatment must be obtained .I have treated two raped issues that has to do with mentally challenged people, I believed that if they were given treatment it will definitely not have occurred.

Comr Toyin Okanlawon, co-convener of stop the abuse foundation stressed the need to carry the campaign across the communities,people need to sensitize based on the high influence of suicide in the society. This is a national issue which needs a drastic approach. He also said that he is part of the member of mental health foundation and the stakeholders’ initiative in Lagos, but stop the abuse foundation is an association that must be reckoned with, they create a lectures on how to identify depression.

As a nation the challenge we face is lack of support, depression comes up gradually so it get to a withdrawal syndrome which leads to suicide. I am a proactive activist, I have saved more than two attempted suicide that promised to take thyself.

He advised state and federal govenment to set up health care desk in our primary health centres, they are yet to do excellently well on their jobs. It is not all mental cases that must be taken to psychiatric hospital in yaba, some can be detected at the primary health centre.
I advice depressed people to avoid suicide it is not a permanent solution.

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

1 day ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

society

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.