By Sarah Negedu

The FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has decried the lack of enlightenment on mental health issues in the country, despite its importance to the general wellbeing of citizens.

Bello, who stated this at the 52 Annual General Scientific Meeting, AGSM, of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, regretted that most mental health patients and their families usually choose not to seek professional help for fear of stigmatisation.

The minister, who was represented by the Acting Secretary of FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr Mohammed Kawu, therefore urged the association to embark on public enlightenment and campaigns especially in the cases of drugs abuse, depression and suicide.

“It is therefore imperative that your association embark on public sensitisation campaign to shed more light on the issues of mental health.

“Your theme for this gathering which is Mental Health and National Development in Nigeria: A call to Action, is therefore very timely, and germane.

In his words, “I will therefore like to underscore the importance of this meeting which has brought together leading psychiatrist from within and outside the country.

“There is no doubt that this gathering will advance the frontiers of Psychiatrist practice in Nigeria,” Bello said.

Earlier, the president of the association, Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, said the national development of any country rests on the wellbeing of its citizens.

“In the same vein we know that there is no health without mental health. It is not only an adage but a stark reality.

“I believe our erudite academics and highly experienced clinicians are here and ready to dwell thoroughly into this theme that aptly captures the present state of our country.”