FG urged to prioritise mental health access as NAS marks World Mental Health Day
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s World Mental Health Day, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has appealed to the Federal Government to strengthen Nigerians’ access to mental health care and change public perceptions surrounding mental health in the country.
The awareness event, themed “Access to Services — Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” was organised by the Ash Montana Deck of NAS in collaboration with Atlantis, Americana 1, and Longhorn Deck. It brought together representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and members of Ajowa Community, among others.
The programme served as a platform to discuss strategies for improving mental health awareness, service delivery, and crisis response mechanisms in Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Emmanuel Abayomi, a psychiatrist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, disclosed that about 60 million Nigerians currently live with mental health conditions, representing roughly one in every five citizens. He noted that mental health issues go beyond depression and anxiety, as everyone is affected in some way.
“If we have a brain, we have mental health. Sleeping well, eating balanced meals, exercising, staying hydrated, and avoiding isolation are crucial for maintaining sound mental health, especially in these economically challenging times,” he said.
Dr Abayomi also urged Nigerians to speak openly about mental health rather than suffer in silence, stressing that mental illnesses are treatable if individuals seek help early.
Speaking at the event, the Capoon of Ash Montana Deck, Ganiyu Omitogun, explained that the workshop was aimed at drawing government attention to the growing mental health crisis and the need to make psychological services more accessible to citizens.
He added that this year’s global theme highlights the importance of providing mental health support during emergencies such as conflicts, health crises, and natural disasters.
“Mental health must be treated as a national priority, not only during emergencies but in our daily lives. Our collective well-being depends on creating consistent access to care,” he stated.
In her remarks, Mrs Olajumoke Adewusi, a representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, identified rape and sexual abuse as major factors contributing to mental health challenges among women and girls.
She lamented that many victims experience long-term trauma, especially when the abuse happens within the family.
“When a girl is raped, especially by a father or stepfather, the psychological damage can be devastating. Such experiences can also affect other women who hear their stories,” she noted.
The event concluded with a renewed call for multi-sectoral collaboration, policy reforms, and stronger community involvement to expand mental health services, reduce stigma, and promote a culture of empathy and care across the country.
