By Orumwense Sarah O
The Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Zubairu Dada Abubakar, has pledged the State Government’s support for and collaborations with the Inosezilo Family Foundation (IFF), in raising awareness on mental health.
Hon. Abubakar made the pledge while playing host to the IFF Team, led by Mr. Abraham Inosezilo Obode, in his office in Benin City.
According to Mr. Obode, IFF was formerly known as Society for Awareness and Family Initiative, a coalition of 14 organizations, which aims to address the rising mental health issues across Nigeria.
The Team Leader of the Coalition, Mr. Obode, highlighted the importance of conducting research and surveys to gather data and develop policy recommendations for the State, emphasizing the need to gauge the awareness of mental health issues such as anxiety and insomnia among the population, as well as assess the availability and accessibility of mental health facilities in the State.
Mr. Obode disclosed that the Coalition plans to begin with the survey of at least, 278 persons across the 18 local government areas in Edo State and that partnering with the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, would provide a key medium to reach youth bodies across the State. He added that the anticipated success of the collaboration would result in amplifying the Coalition’s efforts in making more significant impact.
The Team Leader stated the Coalition’s objectives to include the development of policies and recommendations that will improve mental health support and services in Edo State, while suing for synergy to enable the creation of a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing mental health issues.
He further stated that the survey would provide valuable insights into the mental health landscape in Edo State, enabling the development of targeted interventions and support services, noting that by engaging with stakeholders and gathering data, the Coalition hopes to create a framework for addressing mental health issues that can be replicated in other States and regions.
