Medical Director, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, has advised Nigerians to take care of their mental health, saying if it is destroyed, a lot of efforts would be needed to fix it.

He gave the advice when the President of Rotary Club of Onigbongbo, Rasaq Babatunde Salau and other members of the club visited the hospital to felicitate with the patients in the spirit of Christmas and also to donate a lot of materials, which include sanitary pads, pillow cases and consumables, among others.

Owoeye said causes of mental ailment were multi-dimensional, which include pregnant women having infections, trauma, malnourishment, as well as not undergoing normal antenatal care, among others.

He, however, warned that illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, among others, could trigger mental ailment. Salau, in his response, said the club, which is about 41 years old, had the tradition of visiting the hospital since 1984 to spend Christmas with them and give donate gifts.

He said: “This year, we visited the Acute Ward, Female Ward, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Ward, Old People’s Ward and Psychiatric Rehabilitation Ward to give patients gifts, felicitate with them and cut Christmas cakes.

“Nigerians should key into the essence of Christmas celebration, which is giving to the poor while the government should do more in caring for the less-privileged.”

Also, Ladies Helpers Union, Cathedral Church of Christ, led by its past President, Modupe Alesinloye Williams, and Association of Friends of the hospital, led by its Secretary, Lanre Akeredolu, were at the hospital to felicitate with the patients and donated plasma television set and other gifts.