Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has urged Nigerians to confront the growing stigma surrounding mental health and drug addiction, stressing that access to quality psychiatric care should not be determined by background or income.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Minds Medical Specialist Hospital and Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Ondo town on Saturday, Aiyedatiwa said the new facility represented a crucial step towards tackling the state’s rising cases of mental illness and substance abuse.
“We are saying that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” the governor said. “Every individual deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their socio-economic status. Let us break the stigma surrounding mental health and drug addiction. Let us support those who are struggling.”
The new hospital, built by former special adviser on health matters, Dr Jibayo Adeleye, is aimed at providing affordable and specialist treatment for patients battling psychiatric disorders and drug dependence. Aiyedatiwa said the facility’s mission was “a bold commitment to preserving the well-being of our people in body, mind and spirit.”
Nigeria is grappling with an increase in drug abuse and mental health conditions, worsened by economic hardship and inadequate facilities. Until now, Ondo State had only one neuropsychiatric hospital, located in Akure and run by the government.
Dr Adeleye, who founded the new centre, said drug abuse had become an “epidemic” in Nigerian society. “It is an emergency. Everybody must be alert to stamp it out of our society,” he warned.
Mental health professionals at the event also raised alarm over the scale of the problem. Dr Dokun Adedeji said between 25 to 30 percent of Nigerians suffer from mental illness, yet many go untreated due to fear of discrimination.
“People can be helped to live better and productive lives,” he said. “But the major obstacle remains stigma.”
The governor called for greater public awareness and collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure patients receive early intervention and rehabilitation.
