As the world marked this year’s World Mental Health Day, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, Ash Montana Deck, has called on the Federal Government to improve Nigerians’ access to mental health services and change the prevailing narrative around mental health in the country.
The event, themed “Access to Services — Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” was organized by the Ash Montana Deck in collaboration with Atlantis, Americana 1, and Longhorn Deck.
It brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and representatives from Ajowa Community, among others, to chart a course toward improved mental health awareness and response.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Emmanuel Abayomi, a psychiatrist from the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, disclosed that an estimated 60 million Nigerians suffer from mental health challenges — roughly one in every five citizens.
He emphasized that mental health affects everyone, not just those diagnosed with depression or anxiety, and urged Nigerians to adopt healthy lifestyles to improve their mental well-being.
“If we have a brain, we have mental health. Sleeping well, eating balanced meals, exercising, staying hydrated, and avoiding isolation are crucial for maintaining sound mental health, especially in these economically challenging times,” he said.
Dr. Abayomi further urged Nigerians to speak openly about mental health rather than suffer in silence, stressing that mental illnesses are treatable if individuals seek help early.
Speaking at the event, the Capoon of Ash Montana Deck, Ganiyu Omitogun, said the workshop was organized to draw government attention to the growing mental health crisis in the country and the need to make mental health services more accessible.
He noted that this year’s global theme underscores the importance of providing psychological support during crises such as conflicts, public health emergencies, and natural disasters.
“Mental health must be treated as a national priority, not only during emergencies but in our daily lives. Our collective well-being depends on creating consistent access to care,” he stated.
Also speaking, Mrs. Olajumoke Adewusi, a representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, highlighted rape and sexual abuse as major contributors to mental health challenges among women and girls.
She lamented that many victims suffer long-term trauma, especially when abuse occurs within the family.
“When a girl is raped, especially by a father or stepfather, the psychological damage can be devastating. Such experiences can also affect other women who hear their stories,” she noted.
The event concluded with a renewed call for multi-sectoral collaboration and policy reform to expand mental health services, reduce stigma, and promote a culture of empathy and care across Nigerian communities.
