‎Every Life is Worth Saving— Awolowo Urges NAWOJ on Mental Health

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‎By Adedamola Odeyemi, Abdulsemih Solihu, Gaius Amusan
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‎Osun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Ayobola Awolowo, has urged members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to use their platforms to promote public awareness on mental health, stressing that “every life is worth saving.”
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‎Awolowo made the call on Thursday at a public lecture organized by the Osun State Chapter of NAWOJ, held at the NUJ Press Centre, beside Technical College, Osogbo. The event, themed “Breaking the Culture of Silence: Mental Health, Embracing Life,” focused on promoting open conversations and reducing stigma around mental health issues.
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‎The Commissioner commended NAWOJ for its commitment to addressing sensitive social issues, noting that mental health remains one of the least discussed aspects of wellbeing, especially among women, children, and vulnerable groups.
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‎“Too many people suffer in silence because emotional pain is still seen as weakness. Our ministry is deeply committed to breaking that silence through our gender-based violence interventions, succour centres, and social welfare programmes that offer psychological support and counselling for survivors.” she said.
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‎She added that the vision of the present administration under Governor Ademola Adeleke continues to inspire her ministry’s commitment to the welfare of women and children.
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‎“We believe that gender-responsive mental health strategies are essential for sustainable development,” Fadeyi stated. “Women journalists must use their voices compassionately — tell stories that heal, not harm.”
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‎In her lecture, the supporting guest speaker, Dr. Folashade Dare, Consultant Psychiatrist at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, identified social, environmental, and genetic factors as major causes of mental health disorders, with genetics playing a significant role.
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‎Dr. Dare emphasized that delay in seeking help for mental health challenges has led to a rise in cases of depression, suicide, and withdrawal among individuals who suffer in silence due to fear of discrimination.
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‎According to her, “Nobody breaks down suddenly. The onset of mental illness begins long before visible symptoms appear. Early presentation is crucial, because delay in seeking help can lead to severe outcomes, including suicide.”
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‎Dr. Dare, however, decried the common misconceptions surrounding mental health, especially the belief that mental illness is a spiritual attack or a sign of weakness, explaining that mental illnesses are medical conditions caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, which can be effectively treated through a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
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‎Also speaking, the commissioner for health in the state, Barr. Jola Akintola, who was represented by Dr. Kasim Bello emphasized that mental health concerns affect both parents and children, urging families to strengthen communication.
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‎Akintola advised teenagers and students to speak up when they experience emotional distress, noting that silence often worsens mental health problems. “Parents must learn to listen. The days of fear-based parenting are over; children should be able to express their feelings without being judged or punished.”
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‎He added that modern families must embrace open dialogue and mutual respect to help reduce the growing rate of depression among young people. “When children and parents talk freely, we build homes where peace and understanding replace tension and fear.”
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‎In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Abisola Ariwodola, described mental health as a vital component of overall well-being, lamenting that for too long, mental illness has been stigmatized, leaving many to suffer in silence.
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‎Ariwodola said the sensitisation programme marks the beginning of a renewed effort to break the silence, promote awareness, and build a supportive culture of understanding and compassion toward mental health issues.
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