We were too hopelessly divided to find the common purpose to resist the incipient state capture. The Orange Revolutionaries celebrated more than the batidiots, and the Yoruba po’nu brigade were consumed by their stupid hubris. Hunger might yet achieve what common sense could not
Today, I join the Global Community in commemorating World Mental Health Day, on which we raise awareness of mental health issues while encouraging concerted efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues in our nation.
Though not often well talked about, mental health remains a very critical component of our health sector, which if not given due attention, greatly impacts negatively on our productivity as a nation.
A healthy nation, they say, is a wealthy nation. I dare say, a mentally healthy nation, is a more productive nation.
In Nigeria, mental health remains one of the critical health issues not given the due attention it deserves.
The worsening economic situation resulting from hunger, poverty, and income inequalities in the country, coupled with other socio-political issues affecting the nation, have continued to fuel a growing menace of mental health cases.
The National Institute of Health reports that about 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer various forms of mental ailment.
This translates to about 1 in every 5 Nigerians, battling with mental health issues.
Suicide cases in the country, fueled by anxiety and depression, have remained on the increase.
It is reported that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of suicide and depression in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The current rate of suicide in Nigeria is 9.50% out of 100,000 people.
Drug abuse is also another contributor to mental health decadence in our society.
According to reports, an estimated 14.3 million people aged between 15 and 64 years in Nigeria, are addicted to drugs and substance abuse. Nigeria is also ranked 3rd most stressful country in the world, which contributes to different mental illnesses in the nation.
The above grim statistics reflect the lack of attention given to mental health, a critical contributor to national development in our society.
A nation that truly wants to improve its productive capacity must pay attention to the health of its citizens.
A day like this reminds us, as leaders, to prioritise the well-being of our people, by not only investing more in the health sector but putting in place policies and measures that will improve the lives of our people through improved standards of living.
We are also reminded as a people to always seek medical attention when faced with any mental health challenge and to show love and support to our people who are already contending with the challenge.
We remain committed to building a New Nigeria where everyone's well-being will be prioritized.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
In pursuit of my desires and soul-searching for solutions for our country’s and continental challenges, I was in Kigali, Rwanda , over the weekend. I had several meetings, planned and some sudden with notable people in the development sector, and discussed a range of issues, especially from personal to sports and food insecurity.
Most of the comments, I had resonated well with belief for example, whenever I talk about productivity, I maintain that our productivity is low and my emphasis remains on our country moving from consumption to production.
The Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn @HMDessalegn shared that in their dealings with the Chinese, they found that the Chinese produce 6-7 times what the Ethiopians can produce, and they decided to do something about it.
Today, he recounted: "I can comfortably say that the average Ethiopian produces 60-70% of what the Chinese can do."
At the height of my meetings, and engagements was a gracious opportunity to meet with the legendary Rwanda President @PaulKagame, with whom I had very useful discussions on things that resonate with me every day, especially what is required for Africa to move forward.
He remains committed to the management of scarce resources and serving the people faithfully, which resonates with me deeply.
Finally, I spoke at the Sherrie Silver Foundation's "The Silver Gala". While looking around the hall, I saw a continent on the rise if only we could have the right Leadership and invest in the entrepreneurial, innovative energy of our youths.
Overall, my experience in Kigali have reinforced my belief that the new Nigeria is possible and that Africa, the continent, is on the rise and unstoppable. -PO
BREAKING: Be Prepared for More Fuel Scarcity — NNPCL Tells Nigerians
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has issued a warning to Nigerians about potential future fuel shortages.
Adedapo Segun, Executive Vice President of NNPCL (
https://t.co/ysRWL1kjNm
Six Killed, Thousands Displaced as Terrorists Invade Benue Communities
At least six people were killed when suspected terrorists attacked the Iwari and Olagagbenea communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
https://t.co/7uVXNVBdzg