News
WHO, UN Express the Need for Media to Understand Issues Surrounding Mental Health
WHO, UN Express the Need for Media to Understand Issues Surrounding Mental Health
By: Michael Mike
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Information Center (UNIC) have expressed the need for the media to understand the issues surrounding mental health in order to act optimally in their role to assist in tackling its numerous challenges.
Both organisations gave the advice at the two-day training programme for journalists they put together in collaboration with other UN agencies on Monday in Abuja.
The training with the theme: “Celebrating the power of community kindness” was put together to commemorate the World Mental Health Day (WMHD) celebrated globally on October 10.
Speaking at the training, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi, described mental health as intrinsic and instrumental to the lives of all people as it could influence how they think, feel and act.
He said mental health disorders had increased and affected 15 per cent of working-age adults globally, noting that suicide contributed to death among 15-29 years old with up to 70 per cent of them living in low and middle income countries.
He said journalists by the nature of the jobs they do face tremendous amount of pressure, especially with lot of media outfits working for 24 hours, 7 seven days a week.
He added that: “Given the importance of the work you do, there’s a need to build your capacity on mental health.
“Therefore, various topics will be covered over the next two days, including what is mental health and why we all need to have good mental health.
“Mental health is universal human right, intersection between journalists and mental health, practical strategies to prevent and/or manage common mental health conditions, and how to empower you to report on mental health issues.”
He assured that WHO would always remain committed to building journalists capacity and to empower them on different aspects of health including strategies for managing individual health.
On his part, the Director of UNIC, Mr Ronald Kayanja said the training had become important to enable journalists understand proper ways to look after their mental health.
He said: “These days, we are so conscious about physical health, but now we should also learn a lot about our mental health.
“How we report about mental health issues requires capacity building, to help us understand how to keep ourselves and also report mental health.”
Meanwhile, Dr Tunde Ojo, National Coordinator, National Mental Health Programme, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) said the training was designed to equip journalists with necessary tools to deal with mental health issues.
Ojo said it has become imperative to understand one’s mental state, while discharging one’s duty, therefore the training was organized to promote mental wellbeing of journalists.
He added that: “Journalist can be quite vulnerable while discharging their duties and if neglected it can cause serious damage to one’s entire wellbeing.
“Journalist are exposed to lots of things daily that impact their mental health negatively; we want journalists to know how to cope with mental health, when to take break or even see an health expert when necessary.
“Understanding mental health can help journalists give better reportage about it; we believe journalists and healthcare workers are strategic, because whatever they decide to do can affect the society.”
The event which was attended by journalists from across 40 media organisations featured discussion on prevention strategies for common mental health conditions, intersection between mental health and journalism.
WHO, UN Express the Need for Media to Understand Issues Surrounding Mental Health
Troops Clear IEDs, Recover Items in Imo Offensive Operation
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have cleared multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and recovered items during an ongoing offensive operation in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
Security sources said the operation, conducted by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies, is part of sustained efforts to dislodge suspected IPOB/ESN elements from the Ubah–Orsu axis.
The sources disclosed that at about 8:45 a.m. on May 1, troops advanced into the Mother Valley area following intelligence reports of possible re-infiltration by suspected fighters.
According to the sources, the troops also acted on credible intelligence indicating a suspected burial site of a late military officer, Capt. Stanley Chukwumerije Onweka, within the valley, with the aim of locating and possibly exhuming the remains for DNA analysis.
They added that during the advance, troops successfully detected and disposed of nine IEDs planted along the route.
The sources, however, said two civilian guides (pointers) sustained injuries from an IED explosion during the operation and were evacuated to a medical facility, but one later died en route, while the other is in stable condition.
Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of IED-making materials, Biafran uniforms, ranks, belts, mats, and unserviceable motorcycles.
The sources noted that despite extensive search, the exact location of the suspected burial site could not be established.
They added that operations are ongoing in the area to maintain pressure on criminal elements and prevent further activities.
Troops Clear IEDs, Recover Items in Imo Offensive Operation
Army Graduates Drone Pilot Trainees in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has graduated a new set of drone pilot trainees at the 8 Division Training School, Giginya Military Cantonment in Sokoto State.
Security sources said the ceremony, held on May 1, was attended by senior officers, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North-West Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, alongside formation commanders, commanding officers and staff officers of the division.
According to the sources, the training focused on enhancing the operational capacity of personnel in the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
In his remarks, the GOC emphasised the importance of force protection and operational preparedness, noting that drone technology has become a critical force multiplier in modern military operations.
He said the effective use of UAVs would improve reconnaissance capabilities, optimise resource deployment and enhance overall operational efficiency.
The sources added that the event was conducted successfully without any incident.
Army Graduates Drone Pilot Trainees in Sokoto
Troops Neutralise Four Suspected Terrorists, Recover Arms in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised four suspected terrorists during a patrol along Turare–Yantumaki Road in Katsina State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:40 a.m. on Friday when the troops came under attack by armed assailants while on routine patrol.
The sources disclosed that the soldiers responded swiftly, overpowering the attackers and killing all four suspects without recording any casualties on their side.
According to the sources, items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two motorcycles, multiple mobile phones, and cash amounting to N153,400.
They added that some of the recovered Android phones contained images of the suspects dressed in military uniforms and have been handed over for forensic analysis.
Preliminary intelligence identified the neutralised suspects as Bishir Holami, Jamilu Baki, Ibrahim Doro, and Abdurraman Maje.
The sources further revealed that the suspects were linked to a series of attacks in Gobirawa, Raddawa, Kuki, and other communities within Dutsinma and Matazu Local Government Areas.
They noted that the operation is considered a significant blow to a bandit network reportedly led by one Muhammadu Fulani, which has been associated with violent activities across Matazu, Musawa, Charanchi, and Kankia areas.
A security official said the development reflects ongoing intensified offensive operations aimed at curbing criminal activities and restoring normalcy in the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
Troops Neutralise Four Suspected Terrorists, Recover Arms in Katsina
Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest
Troops Clear IEDs, Recover Items in Imo Offensive Operation
Army Graduates Drone Pilot Trainees in Sokoto
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
