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Solomon Odeniyi
No fewer than 30 Civil Society Organisations have called for the quick passage of the National Mental Health Bill 2020.
The group, under the umbrella of Nigerian Mental Health, said signing the Bill into law would help to improve mental health services in the country.
They made the call during an awareness walk in Abuja to mark World Mental Health Day on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists, the Founder of the NMH, Chime Asonye, urged the government to take proactive measures to adopt suicide prevention strategies within its strategic framework
“Mental health affects everyone, so it is great that hundreds of people came out to advocate for the government to improve the policy environment for those dealing with psychological conditions and challenges. Their voices will help advance the conversation and this important Bill,” Asonye said.
He added that the goal was to ensure the speedy passage of the Bill and more attention to mental health issues in the country.
Also speaking, the Head, Media and Communication, Mental Health for Youth Initiative, Jakpo Ukuekwu, stated that one in eight Nigerians suffered from mental health, hence, the need to pass the Bill into law.
He said, “We are passionate about mental health and this Bill can help make things easier for Nigerians.”
“One in eight Nigerians actually suffer from mental health and this is a big issue. Even the youths are struggling with many issues and most of them don’t have anywhere to go to.
“For us, it is really important that we create this awareness, especially among young people.”
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