Ajibola Lawal seeks mental health support, says problems can make people vulnerable to suicide, anti- social behaviors 

The wife of Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Ajibola Lawal has called for concerted effort to assist those suffering from mental health related issues.

Mrs Lawal made the call on Wednesday at the 3rd Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay (JAME) Awards to top 15 winners and Investitures Ceremony  in commemoration of the 3rd Anniversary of Asido Foundation held at International Conference Centre Ibadan, University of Ibadan.

According to her, she noted that suicide and other outcomes of mental ill-health are on the increase in country but could still be treated at different mental health facilities when detected early. 

Her words: “We are dealing with a lot of issues in the country; businesses are falling, things are expensive, cash is hard to come by and the basic amenities are lacking, affecting the mental health of many both young and elderly.

“Problems can make people vulnerable to suicide, aggression, violence, and other anti-social behaviours.

“The statistics may not be there, but by observation, people are bottling up their emotions and challenges, instead of speaking out.

Mrs Lawal however urged people not to discriminate against or stigmatize those who are suffering from mental health related issues, instead, hands of fellowship, love, care and support should be extended to them.

The wife of the deputy governor lauded  the effort of the founder of Asido Foundation and all the co-pilot of the initiative, she encouraged  them to do more by giving their best to the foundation.

Mrs Lawal promised to become an ambassador of the foundation going forward.

According to the organizer of the essay competition, the first position got a sum of two hundred thousand naira,  second position got One Hundred and Fifty thousand naira while the third position went home with the sum of hundred thousand naira.

The event had other dignitaries from different walks of life in attendance.