HEALTH
Sh0cking: About 50 Million Nigerians Battling Mental Health Challenges as Abia First Lady Priscilla Otti Raises Alarm
Sh0cking: About 50 Million Nigerians Battling Mental Health Challenges as Abia First Lady Priscilla Otti Raises Alarm
Calls for urgent action against poverty, domestic violence, drug abuse and inadequate access to mental healthcare.
The First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing mental health challenges, revealing that an estimated 50 million Nigerians are living with mental health conditions, while fewer than one in ten can access the care they desperately need.
Mrs. Otti made the observation in a message commemorating World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, calling for greater awareness, compassion and urgent investment in mental healthcare services across the country.
According to the First Lady, approximately one in every four Nigerians is affected by a mental health condition, a situation she described as particularly troubling given the limited availability of professional support and treatment.
She highlighted poverty, unemployment, hunger, grief, domestic violence and substance abuse as major pressures contributing to psychological distress and mental health problems among Nigerians.
The First Lady further drew attention to the disturbing prevalence of gender-based violence, citing figures indicating that one in three Nigerian women has experienced physical violence.
She also expressed concern over substance abuse, referencing an estimated 14 million Nigerians who used drugs within the preceding year, warning that substance misuse can worsen the emotional and psychological difficulties individuals are already experiencing.
Beyond the statistics, Mrs. Otti emphasised that millions of Nigerians are silently struggling with painful experiences that often go unnoticed by society.
Every second brings Nigerians closer to exercising their democratic right and shaping the future of our nation.
Exercise your democratic right responsibly, peacefully and lawfully.
She stressed that mental health conditions should never be interpreted as personal weakness or treated as reasons for discrimination.
“A person in grief deserves comfort. A survivor deserves safety and to be believed. A person fighting addiction deserves treatment, not condemnation,” she declared.
The Abia First Lady urged Nigerians to become more attentive to the emotional well-being of family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues, emphasising the importance of listening without judgment.
Channel
Addressing individuals battling mental health challenges, she offered a message of encouragement and hope.
“To everyone suffering quietly: you are not a burden, and you are not alone,” she stated.
She further encouraged members of the public to check on people around them, noting that simple acts of kindness, genuine concern and emotional support could make a meaningful difference in someone’s recovery.
Mrs. Otti also called for stronger healthcare systems, accessible counselling services, safe environments for survivors of violence and economic opportunities that could help reduce the pressures affecting vulnerable populations.
She particularly emphasised the need for a supportive society where individuals experiencing mental health difficulties can seek assistance without fear of stigma or rejection.
“Healing is possible, and you do not have to find the way alone,” she assured.
As part of her message, the First Lady shared emergency and support contacts for people experiencing mental health crises or requiring assistance following gender-based violence.
Emergency and support contacts:
-
Abia State Emergency Service: 08133556900
-
Safe Tent Care Initiative (STCI) Care Line: 0700-700-SAFE (0700-700-7233)
Mrs. Otti concluded by urging government institutions, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals and communities to work collectively towards building a more compassionate society.
“Let us build the services, the safe spaces and the opportunities that make healing possible for all,” she appealed.
Editor’s note: The numerical estimates in this report are attributed to the First Lady’s statement and have not been independently verified.
DO YOU WANT TO WHISTLEBLOW, REPORT FRAUD, THEFT OR INJUSTICE OR INTIMIDATION? SEND US YOUR STORY/REPORT TO NEWSDESK@MEDIATODAY.NG
