The Ondo State government on Tuesday declared that it will soon build a rehabilitation centre to cater for people with mental disorders as a result of the abuse of drugs, which the government blamed for the majority of the mental health challenges in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka disclosed this during the Mental Health Submit organised by Niger Delta Youth Council / Health Circle Initiative in partnership with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Akure, the state capital.
At the summit held at the State College of Health Technology, Akure with the theme:” Creation of Awareness And Building A Supportive Mental Health in Niger Delta Region”, Ajaka noted that the burden of drug abuse is on the rise and becoming a public health concern in Nigeria.
Represented by Dr. Sajo Sunday, Ajaka said “Our country, Nigeria has developed a reputation as a centre for drug trafficking and usage mostly among the youth population. Almost all types of psychoactive substances are now available in Nigeria due to their spillover into the streets from drug traffickers who use Nigeria as a conduit to transport drugs from Southeast –Asia and South America to Europe and North America. “
His words: “Over the years, the government of Ondo state has made significant progress both in the prevention and treatment of people who have comorbid substance use disorders and other mental health conditions through various evidence-based prevention programs, policies, and integrated approaches by our health personnel.
“Currently, efforts are in place by the government of Ondo state to build a good rehabilitation centre to cater for people with substance use disorders and mental illness.
“It is important to say that all of us must collaborate with the government of Ondo state to put an end to the menace of drug abuse in our dear state.”
Also, Special Adviser to the state Governor of Health Prof. Michael Odimayo blamed most of the mental challenges on the misuse of hard drugs.
Prof Odimayo who described mental health as a disease that is very common in society, commended NDDC for the submission, adding that the usage of hard drugs destroyed the younger generation.
Earlier, the National Coordinator, Niger Delta Youth Council, Engr. Jator Abido said integrating mental health education into school curriculums can help normalise the conversation around mental health and provide students with coping strategies and awareness.
Abido said, “Schools and communities should offer accessible and confidential counselling services to support young people in need. Online counselling can also be a valuable resource for those who may not have physical access.”
