The Ekiti State Government is set to have given more attention to mental health care in the state through increasing awareness on mental health issues, breaking down stigma, and introducing policy change.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani, a medical doctor made the statement in his opening remark at this year’s World Mental Health Day, adding that the Kayode Fayemi led administration was committed to increasing the State Government’s investment in health care.
The commissioner stated that the commemoration of the event was one of the various steps the state is taking towards developing and instituting the Ekiti State Mental Health Policy.
According to him, “The Ekiti State Ministry of Health with support from His Excellency Governor Kayode Fayemi will begin to work towards standards for accessing mental health services that are just as ambitious as those for physical health. It is time for us to give the mental wellbeing of Ekiti-Kete the priority that it so profoundly deserves.”
At the event, the Wife of the State Governor, Bisu Fayemi highlighted the risks that women and girls face as victims of gender-based violence and its links to mental health.
She emphasised that gender inequality that existed in Nigeria, as well as economic and social stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with restricted movement and social isolation measures, have had implications on gender-based violence and the mental health of women and girls.
In her charge, she said, “Today, our goal is not just to raise awareness of mental health issues, but also begin a strategic process to develop and institute targeted actions for mental health care in Ekiti State. It is time for us to rise up and move from ideas to reality.”
The Ekiti State World Mental Health Day forum also had keynote lectures from prominent mental health professionals in the state and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In their lectures, Lawal Musiliu, Oluwole Olutoyin, and Olusegun Joseph underscored the dangers posed by illicit drug use, the stigma associated with mental health, and the urgent need for the State Government to develop and institute target actions for mental health care in Ekiti State.
Rounding off the event, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and Human Services, Folake Olomojobi appreciated the State Government and the Wife of the Governor for increasing the awareness and focus on mental health care while pledging the commitment of the Ministry of Health and Human Services in developing a roadmap for mental health care in Ekiti State.
The World Mental Health Day is marked on the 10th of October annually, to raise awareness on mental health and increase activity in this area by governments globally. This year, the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the Wife of the State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi hosted a one-day seminar at the School of Nursing, Ado-Ekiti. The theme was in line with the global theme which is, “Mental health for All.”
