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Foundation Calls for Integration of Mental Health Services into Primary Health CareMichael Olugbode in Abuja
Foundation Calls for Integration of Mental Health Services into Primary Health Care
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The Founder of the Mental Health Ditty Foundation, Dr. Adedotun Esan has called for the integration of mental health services into the nation’s primary healthcare.
Esan who made the call during the foundation’s inaugural symposium, emphasized the need to provide tailored mental health support for women, men, and children to cope with daily life challenges and manage emotions.
Speaking at the symposium themed: “Achieving Social Inclusion through Community Kindness,” Esan, who revealed that she had battled mental health issues, stated that: “I can relate to anyone going through such circumstances and provide the necessary help. If not, individuals can be referred to appropriate places to receive adequate help.”
Esan stressed the importance of government involvement and public awareness in mental health issues, while applauding the recent enactment of a Mental Health Act, signed by the former president, as a significant step in the right direction.
She noted that this was becoming a priority for the government, and it is hoped that the momentum continues.
Esan also urged the government to decriminalize suicide attempts in Nigeria, advocating for a more compassionate approach to individuals in distress.
She added that: “Let us give them help and not put them behind bars because that will cause more problems for them.”
Addressing the barriers faced by those suffering from mental health issues, Dr. Oyelohunnu Motunrayo, a psychiatric consultant and panelist, highlighted biases at individual and family levels, societal practices, and government policies as major obstacles. She emphasized the importance of empathy, acceptance, and inclusivity in addressing these challenges.
With World Mental Health Day approaching on October 10th, Dr. Esan called for the inclusion of diverse voices in shaping mental health policies, recognizing Nigeria’s existing policies and the need for effective implementation to improve people’s lives.
Foundation Calls for Integration of Mental Health Services into Primary Health Care
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Zulum Dismisses Claims of Favoring Candidates for APC Congress
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has firmly dismissed rumours circulating that he has anointed individuals for executive positions in the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) party congresses.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the Governor described the claims as the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to cause disaffection within the party.
Governor Zulum emphasised that he has not in any fora endorsed any candidate for any party position, whether in Gwoza Local Government Area or any of the state’s 27 local government areas.
“Let me categorically state that I have not anointed any person for the position of Chairman or Secretary of APC in Gwoza local government in the forthcoming party congress. I wish to also stress that I have not anointed any person for any position in the APC congress in any of the 27 local government areas,” Governor Zulum stated.
He further called on party members to disregard the false information, saying, “I am calling on our party faithful and supporters to disregard the rumour as it is a calculated attempt to create disaffection and derail the party from its trajectory.”
The Governor instead urged party stakeholders to continue constructive consultations aimed at identifying credible candidates to be fielded for all party positions.
Zulum Dismisses Claims of Favoring Candidates for APC Congress
VP Shettima Arrives In Guinea For President Doumbouya’s Inauguration
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Mamady Doumbouya.
The Vice President was received by senior Guinean government officials and members of the Nigerian diplomatic corps ahead of the official ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 17, at the GLC Stadium in Nongo.
The inauguration of President Doumbouya follows his victory in the December 2025 general elections, signalling the formal end of a four-year military transition.
The Vice President’s attendance at the inauguration affirms Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its commitment to the restoration of constitutional order across the sub-region.
Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Nigeria has continued to position itself as a stabilising force, advocating for democratic governance as a prerequisite for regional prosperity.
The visit also serves as a strategic mission to expand the economic corridor between the two West African nations.
VP Shettima Arrives In Guinea For President Doumbouya’s Inauguration
Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
At least seven persons were killed and three others abducted when armed bandits attacked Kyara village, a remote border community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in the early hours of Thursday.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 4:00 a.m. in the village, which lies close to the Niger Republic border and has no mobile phone network coverage.
The bandits, who were said to be in large numbers and armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
During the attack, seven persons were shot dead, while two others sustained gunshot injuries. Three villagers were also kidnapped, and an unspecified number of domestic animals were rustled.
Joint security forces were immediately deployed to the area after the incident was reported. On arrival, they evacuated the corpses and the injured victims to a hospital for autopsy and medical treatment.
Troops have since launched a manhunt for the attackers with a view to rescuing the abducted victims, recovering the rustled livestock and arresting those responsible.
Confidence-building patrols are currently ongoing in and around Kyara village to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto
Zulum Dismisses Claims of Favoring Candidates for APC Congress
VP Shettima Arrives In Guinea For President Doumbouya’s Inauguration
MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe
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