Nigerians, especially the youths have been admonished to do away or disengage from acts capable of luring them into suicide and untimely death which has become so rampant in our society.
The admonition was given by the Commissioner for Health, Oyo State, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi at the a one day Sensitization and Discourse Forum on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Among Young People.
The programme which was held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan was in commemoration of the 2024 Suicide Prevention Day.
The programme with the theme, “Creating Hope Through Actions” was organized by Peacemakers Guide Humanitarian Support Organization (PM Guide) in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusions, Youth Empowerment and Rewind Initiative, National Youth Council of Nigeria and other stakeholders.
According to her, the development which has become endemic in our society need urgent attention to curb the unwholesome development.
The Commissioner who was ably represented by Mrs Abejide Oluwayemisi said government will continue to intensify efforts and measures to curb the development and provide quality health facility for people with mental problems.
“Nigeria is a nation with the highest record of suicide, and there is the need for government and Nigerians to assist people with suicide tendencies in our society.
“It is the responsibility of policy makers to put up measures to address the menace of suicide in our society, and there is the need to assist those suspected with the issue in our society with necessary support.
“In Nigeria, we are selfish and self centered, that is why we have increasing suicide issues in our society. It is possible to over come the menace if we if all rise up to address the problem head long. it is high time young people say no to suicide and embrace hope for living.”
In his address, the Director General, Peacemakers Guide, Humanitarian Support Organization, (PM Guide) Bishop (Prof.) Adegbolagun Ademola George, said the World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day observe on September 10 every year to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides with various activities around the world since 2003.
According to him, focus of the programme primarily is on developing and empowering sustainable livelihood as an alternative measures for the youths at risk, distressed women and those that might depend on criminal acts and armed violence for their living at the community level, donating and raising fund to help the children to get over the street life style through alternative education.
He noted that key risk factors for suicide include mental disorder, previous suicide attempt, specific personality characteristics, genetic loading and family processes in combination with triggering psychological stressors among others.
He listed mental health promotion, education, awareness, careful media coverage, limited access to means of committing suicide and others as measures to curb the menace.
Speaking at the programme, Chairman of Community Chest Council in the state, Dr Matthew Oluwasogo Ayodele said the issue before us is a very serious one which requires urgent attention.
He recalled the suicide incident of a secondary student who hanged himself in Apete area in Ibadan sometime ago, saying, there are so many unreported cases like that across the country.
“There is the need for government to establish a law with stringent punishment on suicide. “I urge people to speak out when they have issues affecting them, they should also seek counsel and advise that will help them whenever they notice signs of suicide around them.”
Mrs Abodunrin Funmilayo, a mental health officer who represented the state primary health board and Ambassador I.O Lawal who represented NCWS state president, urged parents and guardians to monitor their wards and children’s attitude in order to respond appropriately whenever they observe signs and symptoms of suicide in them.
They attributed actions like neglect, rejection, psychological problems and many others as causes of suicide. “Parents should always be conscious of development around their children, especially when they begin to exhibit strange actions. Many young people are going through very tough time without any intervention, I urge parents and guardians to always be at alert.”
In her address, the Oyo State Coordinator, Child Protection Network Nigeria and a member of peace Makers Guide Humanitarian Support Organization, Dr. Rosemary Odigbo commended the initiators of the Programme, describing it as laudable.
She expressed optimism that the occasion will go a long way to address factors responsible for suicide in our society. “Every life lost to suicide represents not only a personal tragedy but also a failure to address the underlying issues on mental health, social isolation and despair that precede such irreversible decisions.
“Today, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to foster an environment where every individual feels valued, supported and heard.”
According to her, the theme, “Creating Hope Through Actions”, reminds us that suicide is preventable, adding that it calls for proactive steps to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and to create path ways for those suffering to seek help.
“On this day, I urge everyone to commit to playing an active role in suicide prevention, whether through professional engagement, community outreach, or personal interaction and we must be vigilant in recognizing signs of distress and offer support where it is needed.”
In his contribution, a guest speaker, Pastor Agboola attributed suicide to risk factors, and depression which has claimed so many lives over the years.
He decried the option of suicide by young people whenever they have worries or issues bothering them. “Taking your life is not the solution to the problems you are going through, go before God and make your problems known to him, He will definitely answer you.
Quoting from Ezekiel 37, Pastor Agboola urged people to always look up to God When they find it difficult to move on. “We should try to open their eyes and assure them that things will be good again no matter the situation.
The Clergy called for awareness in order to discourage the development.
Mrs Funmilayo Abodunrin from Primary Health Board in the state, while Speaking on mental health issues and intervention described suicide as a public health issues which need to be treated like any other disease.
“Suicide has no respect for anybody because it is a terrible spirit. The aim of this sensitization programme is to let people know that the disease is curable.
Highlight of the programme was the presentation of award to some deserving members and stakeholders of the organizations.
