By NAN
The African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly has created awareness on the dangers of mental health in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Assembly created the awareness through a Mental Health Walk that took participants from Marjanatu House in Maitama to the Unity Fountain on Saturday in Abuja.
They held placards with inscription such as “Lets fight depression together”, “Break the Silence”, “Stop the Stigma”, “Seek Help”, “Stop discrimination”, and many others.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of thr Governing Board of the Assembly, Prof. Tunji Asaolu said the Walk is a contribution by the Assembly to promote mental health in the country.
“In supporting the celebration of the World Mental Health Day, the Social Affairs and Health Committee of the Assembly, under the leadership of Dr Sa’adatu Adamu has taken the lead and we have to follow.
“This is our way of promoting mental health and contributing to the implementation of the AU Agenda 2063 framework.
“With what we have done so far, awareness is on the top gear that people now trust and stick to us. We have the mechanism that will address the issues of mental health.
“We are partnering with stakeholders to see how to form a synergy to address about 50 per cent of the challenges.
“If we can address mental health and stress in all human beings, then, half of the problem is solved,” Asaolu submitted.
Also speaking, Malam Mohammed Isah, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunity said the theme for this years celebration is talking about priotising mental health in work place.
“We can achieve this through collaboration, coordination and partnership with relevant Non Governmental Organisations.
“On the part of government, it has enacted a law to address mental health challenges, but we need to revist the Act, because, we need to invest in creating awareness.
“The government is doing a lot and committed. My office is working with the Federal Ministry of Health and some departments to ensure smooth implementation.
“We observed that inspite of the enactment of the Act, implementation is slow. We also realise that, there is a gap in area of awareness, and that is why we gathered here to show solidarity.
“Afetr this celebration, we are going to organise a conference whereby we can engage state actors and other relevant stakeholders to identify the areas we have gaps and fill it,: Isah stressed.
Also, the Speaker of the Assembly, Dr Emmanuel Egejurum expressed the desire of the Assembly to have an African without boundaries, where everyone will have equal rights, and where individuals ‘talent would explode to benefit everybody.
“African leaders should stop procrastinating. They should start now to carryout activities that will lead to the realisation of Africa of our dreams”
Also speaking, Prof Taiwo Obindo, a professor in Psychiatry from thr University of Jos commended the AU Assembly.
Obindo, who is also the President of National Association of Psychiatry in Nigeria said priotising mental health in the work place is very apt, adding that people spend most part of their lives in the work place.
He stressed that the government has done well by enacting the Mental Health Act to address rights and privileges of people having mental health issues.
“We all nedd to put our hands together and make sure we don’t stigmatise or discriminate those with mental health, this is because, all of us are at risk of developing mental health conditions.
“Therefore, we should make sure we give them all the best they need, :” Obindo.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the walk attracted stakeholders from National Youth Scheme Corps, medical sector and many more. (NAN)