One of Nigeria’s telecommunication companies, 9mobile, is set to hold the maiden edition of a health talk series themed “Covid-19 and the new normal: Staying mentally healthy in the face of the challenges”.
- The session, which will be streamed live on the Instagram page of Instablog9ja on Thursday 25th March 2021 at 7 pm, is part of efforts to cushion the mental health impact of COVID-19 and curb the increasing rate of depression.
The program will feature Hauwa Ojeifo, rights advocate and Executive Director at She Writes Woman, who is popularly tagged as the voice and face of mental health in Nigeria will discuss the concept and scope of mental health, signs, and symptoms, dealing with stigma and trauma associated with mental health and when and where to get help.
According to 9Mobile, mental health needs to be given top priority, especially in the face of the unprecedented loss, anxiety and disruption occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As a business that cares about the wellbeing of its customers, it has become imperative for us to champion conversations around the issue of mental health, especially at a time when the world is going through one of the deadliest pandemics in history. Covid-19 has exacted such heavy toll and triggered a spike in stress and anxiety-induced depression in people,” said Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Abdulrahman Ado.
He added that it is in light of this that the company has teamed up with the Executive Director of She Writes Woman, Hauwa Ojeifo, to facilitate frank conversations around mental, emotional, and psychological health.
He stated that the session will empower Nigerians with the right information on how to respond effectively to issues surrounding mental health. “We also hope that this effort will play a significant role in cutting the number of suicide-related deaths resulting from depression,” he added.
Findings by the World Health Organization, indicate that an estimated one in eight Nigerians suffers from mental illness with anxiety the most common mental illness. Experts believe that with more education and awareness around the issue, people will be informed on how best to manage their mental health and seek timely help where needed.