Umuahia, Abia State –
The Abia State House of Assembly has joined the growing movement advocating for the proper care and awareness of mental health issues across the state. This push is aimed at educating the public, particularly the youth, about the causes of mental health disorders and offering solutions to those affected.
The state legislature’s action is a crucial part of a larger effort to combat the harmful stigmas and practices often associated with mental health treatment.
Speaking with journalists after the presentation of a comprehensive survey report on mental health advocacy, Hon. Emeka Obioma, the Chief Whip and Chairman of the House Committee on Health, revealed the Assembly’s commitment to the cause.
The survey, titled A Banstop Prevent, was carried out by the advocacy group Walk 347 in collaboration with NAS Magna Carta. The research focused on eliminating harmful traditional practices and improving mental health care by engaging community healers in the Ubakala area of Umuahia South Local Government.
Hon. Obioma outlined the committee’s vision, which prioritizes creating awareness among young people, who are particularly vulnerable to mental health disorders, many of which stem from substance abuse.
"The youths are often victims of poor decisions that lead to mental health challenges, and we believe raising awareness is key," Obioma said.
One of the significant outcomes of the survey highlighted the direct link between substance abuse and the rise in mental health disorders among young people in Abia State. In light of these findings, the House Committee on Health is working to introduce educational seminars in secondary schools across the state.
These seminars will focus on the dangers of substance abuse, arming young people with the knowledge to avoid habits that could lead to long-term mental health problems.
“We are working assiduously to create awareness, especially among secondary school students, who are often the most affected by substance abuse. This has been identified as the root cause of many mental illnesses,” Obioma stated.
The Lawmaker praised Walk 347 and NAS Magna Carta for their dedication to the mental health campaign and assured them of the state government’s willingness to collaborate further.
"The state government is committed to working with all stakeholders to secure the future of Abia's youth by regularly enlightening them on the causes of mental diseases," he said.
Hon. Obioma expressed confidence that the House Committee on Health, which includes the Deputy Speaker, the Majority Leader, and the Chief Whip, is well-positioned to influence meaningful change in mental health policy. He revealed that the committee is planning to introduce a motion on the floor of the House to increase mental health awareness throughout the state.
“This committee has strong representation from the leadership of the House. We are working on bringing a motion to the Assembly to raise awareness about mental health. Our goal is to create laws that protect those suffering from mental illness and put an end to harmful practices like chaining, flogging, and confining individuals," Obioma said.
The issue of harmful traditional practices was a central focus of the report. In many communities, individuals suffering from mental illness are often subjected to inhumane treatment, including being chained or beaten in the name of healing.
Hon. Obioma stressed that these practices must stop and that mental health patients deserve compassionate care in proper medical facilities.
“A lot of reconstruction is happening in our health institutions, and we are putting in place facilities where people can seek help for mental health issues,” Obioma announced.
He pointed out that many people may be suffering from mental health challenges without realizing it, often manifesting in poor performance at work or school.
"When someone's productivity drops significantly, it could be a sign that they need to seek help from a psychologist."
In addition to legislative efforts, the House Committee on Health has planned several workshops and awareness campaigns in partnership with organizations like the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). These workshops aim to educate students in selected schools about the dangers of hard drug use and its direct impact on mental health.
“Our next workshop is in Aba next weekend, where we’ll be working with NDLEA to educate students on the negative effects of drugs,” Obioma revealed.
“The report we have shows that secondary school students are often the primary victims of drug abuse, and this is because they lack the proper information and guidance."
By targeting schools, the campaign hopes to catch young people before they fall into dangerous patterns of behavior that could lead to serious mental health consequences later in life.
The Abia State House of Assembly’s renewed focus on mental health issues represents a broader shift in how the state approaches health and wellness. With more awareness programs, better facilities, and legislative backing, there is hope that the state can address the growing mental health crisis and offer more effective, humane solutions.
As mental health becomes a more visible issue in Abia State, the collaborative efforts between government bodies, advocacy groups, and health professionals will be essential in breaking the cycle of substance abuse and harmful traditional practices. This initiative marks a turning point in the state's mental health policy and sets a foundation for future reform.
“We have a long way to go, but we are determined to make sure that no young person in Abia suffers in silence or without help. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and we will continue to push for policies that reflect this,” Hon. Obioma concluded.
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