By Our correspondent
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, marked World Mental Health Day with a statement highlighting the alarming link between Nigeria’s economic hardship and mental health issues.
On Twitter, Obi emphasized that one in five Nigerians battles mental health problems .
Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, characterized by hunger, poverty, and income inequalities, exacerbates mental health cases.
The National Institute of Health reports 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer from various mental ailments, affecting about 20% of the population.
Additionally, an estimated 14.3 million people aged 15-64 struggle with drug and substance abuse, while Nigeria ranks third globally as the most stressful country, contributing to mental illnesses.
Obi noted Nigeria has one of the highest rates of suicide and depression in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a current rate of 9.50% per 100,000 people.
Obi stressed that improving productivity requires prioritizing citizens’ well-being.
He advocates for increased investment in the health sector and policies promoting improved living standards.
Obi urged leaders to prioritize mental health and citizens to seek medical attention when faced with challenges, emphasizing love and support for those affected.
As someone who has consistently spoken out against hardship in Nigeria, Obi challenged leaders to address the country’s poverty and insecurity, stating Nigeria is the poverty capital of the world and among the most insecure countries
The Labour Party candidate remains committed to building a New Nigeria prioritizing everyone’s well-being.
