Ogun State has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 World Mental Health Day with a call for increased awareness and collective action towards improving access to mental health care.
The commemoration, themed “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” underscores global commitment to addressing mental health challenges during crises such as floods, disease outbreaks, insecurity and other emergencies.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker emphasised that mental health is a fundamental human right and not a privilege, adding that every human being deserved to live in good physical and mental health.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, the Commissioner disclosed that the most common mental health conditions reported include psychosis, neurosis, epilepsy, depression and substance use disorders.
“It must be stated that traumatic events can cause adverse effects on people’s mental health. During such crises, people face trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts. Sadly, most of those affected are unable to access care due to limited services, stigma, and cost barriers,”
“Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. In Nigeria, more than 90% of people living with mental illness do not have access to proper care,” She said.
Dr. Coke further noted that the burden of mental health issues in Ogun State is real and rising, with data from the State’s four service points—Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro, and Ota—showing over 10,000 patient visits in the first half of 2025, including nearly 1,000 new cases.
She revealed that the State had inaugurated a 26-member Mental Health Action Committee tasked with driving interventions to tackle mental health challenges across communities, saying, the composition of this ‘think-tank’ would help coordinate and sustain actions in the sub-sector.
The Health Commissioner reiterated the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to ensuring sustainable and affordable health coverage for all residents, with mental health services fully integrated into that vision.
In his welcome address, the Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Soyinka represented by his deputy, Dr. Deborah Oshisanwo, called on families to create safe spaces for open conversations on mental health, while urging employers to build supportive workplaces that promote emotional wellbeing.
The Commissioner further appealed to religious and community leaders to use their platforms to preach compassion and encourage access to care, charging the media to report responsibly on mental health issues, challenge stigma, and spread messages of hope.
