An American-based Professor, Mrs. Akindotun Merino and the Country Commissioner for Behavioural Health in California, has called the Nigerian government to give mental health a priority.

The University don at the Argosy University in California, US said right investment and policy could promote general wellness of Nigerians and reduce over N5.7 billion Nigeria loses to mental health crisis yearly.

The University don, said this during an advocacy visit to Ekiti State house of Assembly in Ado-Ekiti where she gave Governor Kayode Fayemi a thumb up for initiating and domesticating mental Health Laws in the State.

Merino, indigene of Odo Ayedun Community in Ikole Local Government of Ekiti State and the Executive Director of African Mental Health Alliance (AMHA), noted that purpose of the visit is to drum support for Mental Health Awareness.

The Psychologist who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jars Group of Organisations and President of Jars Education Institute, had held an enlightenment talk with groups including professional bodies and students at the Afe Babalola hall at the State High Court Complex, Ado-Ekiti, highlighted the importance of Mental Health and how to deal with trauma.

The health tips was preceded by an awareness road-walk to the State house of Assembly Complex before the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye addressed guests.

Afuye, explained that the Mental Health Law recently passed by the House and assented to by Governor Kayode Fayemi

The speaker stated that the law was designed to provide a legal framework to promote the wellness of the people in the State and assist those suffering from mental health disorder that hinders their ability to make right decisions.

Afuye also described the passage of the Mental health bill as a confirmation of the Assembly to boost mental wellness of people in the State.

The Lawmaker expressed appreciation to the groups for the awareness campaign and assured of the readiness of the House to partner with interested relevant Stakeholders, assuring that the Assembly would also welcome suggestions on ways to improve the law and enhance its
effectiveness.

Groups that participated in the workshop and awareness walk included representatives of the State Chapters of the National Council for Women Society of Nigeria and Police Wives Association (POWA).

Others are the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti branch of Women in Technical Education and Development (WITED), Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), Law Students’ Association (LAWSAN) and members of the Human Rights Committee, NBA, Ekiti Branch.

Banners marked, “We stand Against Domestic Violence”, Don’t Hide Trauma”, Trauma Care is Community Care”, “End Childhood Trauma” were displayed by the participants during the awareness walk.

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