Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party has expressed concerns over the deteriorating economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that these challenges are contributing to the rise in mental health issues across Nigeria.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, made these remarks in a message commemorating World Mental Health Day.
In his statement, Obi highlighted the alarming rate of mental health disorders in the country, pointing out that the issue has not received the necessary attention from the authorities.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s economic hardship, driven by factors such as hunger, poverty, and widening income inequalities, is a major cause of mental health problems.
He further noted that these economic difficulties, along with other socio-political challenges facing the nation, have exacerbated anxiety and depression, leading to an increase in suicide cases.
Citing data from the National Institute of Health, Obi revealed that an estimated 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer from various forms of mental health disorders.
He called for urgent attention to this issue, emphasizing the need for better mental health care and intervention in the country.
