A mental health expert and Senior Registrar at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin, Dr Okonkwo Bartholomew over the weekend warned that untreated psychological conditions could negatively affect workforce efficiency, decision-making, and economic growth.

Bartholomew gave the warning in Benin while delivering a lecture at an event organised by the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council.

Delivering the lecture titled ‘Knowing Your Mental Health Status: A Prerequisite for a Robust and Productive Economy,’ the mental health expert emphasized the importance of mental health awareness in promoting productivity and national development.

The public lecture held in collaboration with the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, focused on sensitising commercial drivers and members of the public to the importance of mental health screening.

Bartholomew advocated regular mental health checks, early diagnosis, and timely intervention, adding that sustained public enlightenment was necessary to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness.

He warned that untreated psychological conditions could negatively affect workforce efficiency, decision-making, and economic growth.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Chairman of the Federated Chapel, Mercy Onyenweli, described mental health as a critical factor in national productivity and development.

She identified journalists, commercial drivers, civil servants, and students as groups facing increasing psychological pressures and stressed the need for structured support systems.

Onyenweli disclosed that the mental health awareness campaign and free screening exercise for commercial drivers would become an annual initiative of the chapel.

Also speaking, Chairman of the NUJ Edo State Council, Festus Alenkhe, commended the Federated Chapel for championing a programme that addresses a critical societal challenge.

Alenkhe, who is also the Acting Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), urged other NUJ chapels to emulate the initiative by developing programmes that positively impact society.

He challenged journalists to go beyond reportage by initiating interventions that improve the lives of citizens.

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Transportation, Barr. (Dr.) Samson Erhaze, described the collaboration between media practitioners and health professionals as timely, noting that mental wellness is closely linked to road safety, workplace efficiency, and sustainable development.

Stakeholders at the lecture called for stronger collaboration among the media, healthcare institutions, and government agencies to deepen mental health awareness and integrate it into public policy and community engagement.