Opinion
Mental Health And Bauchi First Lady’s Intervention
By Suleiman Abbah
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, encompassing emotional stability, resilience, and the ability to effectively navigate life’s challenges. Unfortunately, mental health conditions are prevalent worldwide, affecting approximately one in eight individuals, with depression being a leading cause of disability, particularly among adolescents. Despite the widespread impact of mental health issues, many individuals still do not receive adequate support and services.
In Nigeria, the situation is no different. Countless Nigerians are grappling with various forms of mental health challenges, yet the provision of mental health services remains insufficient. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 20% of Nigerians, equivalent to approximately 40 million people, are affected by mental health conditions. Shockingly, only a mere 10% of those with severe and disabling mental health conditions receive any form of treatment within a year.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, has taken a commendable step towards addressing mental health issues in the state. She recently inaugurated the state steering committee on mental health and introduced a helpline for the public to access immediate assistance for mental health concerns.
During the inauguration ceremony held at the Hazibal Hotel in Bauchi, the first lady emphasized the critical importance of integrating mental health intervention within both healthcare facilities and communities. This approach recognizes that mental health support should not be limited to clinical settings but should also extend to the grassroots level, where individuals may face unique challenges and barriers to accessing care.
The establishment of the state mental health steering committee is a significant stride towards ensuring proper coordination, strengthening, and implementation of mental health interventions in Bauchi State. This committee will play a pivotal role in overseeing and guiding mental health initiatives, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively, and services are delivered efficiently.
By prioritizing mental health and establishing a dedicated committee, the Bauchi State First Lady has demonstrated her commitment to addressing the mental health crisis in the state. This initiative will undoubtedly contribute to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and improving access to mental health services for the people of Bauchi.
The introduction of a helpline is another crucial aspect of the intervention. This helpline will serve as a lifeline for individuals in distress, providing them with immediate support and guidance. It will also serve as a valuable resource for concerned family members, friends, and community members who may be unsure of how to assist someone experiencing mental health challenges.
The Bauchi State First Lady’s intervention in establishing a mental health steering committee and introducing a helpline is a commendable step towards addressing the mental health crisis in the state. By prioritizing mental health and ensuring proper coordination and implementation of interventions, this initiative has the potential to significantly improve the lives of individuals affected by mental health conditions in Bauchi State.
It is crucial that other states and stakeholders follow suit, recognizing the importance of mental health and working towards comprehensive and accessible mental health services for all Nigerians.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.