• Advocates for Employee Assistance Programs
• As Lagos First Lady Advocates for Mental Health Awareness
In a significant initiative to enhance mental health support and accessibility across Lagos, the state government has unveiled a new helpline, the Lagos Lifeline Smart Number: 0700 000 MIND (0700 000 6463), in addition to the existing Lagos Lifeline Number: 090 9000 MIND (090 9000 6463).
In a statement released to the media, the launch was held during the “Lift Up Hope” event at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja, commemorating World Mental Day.
The new helpline aims to provide immediate access to mental health resources, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges in the workplace and beyond. The event included a mental health lecture, the ceremonial release of green balloons symbolizing hope, and discussions centered on “Mental Health in the Workplace.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, emphasized the vital importance of mental health in today’s fast-paced environment and thanked the Ministry of Health for its ongoing efforts. She highlighted the need for sustainable solutions to support those in need, stating, “There is no health without mental health.”,
Represented by Consultant Public Health Physician and Independent Health consultant, Orunsi Wellcare Foundation Dr. Laja Odunuga, the Lagos State First lady noted that mental health awareness in Nigeria is alarmingly low, calling for a collective effort to bring attention to the issues surrounding mental illnesses.
While urging everyone to prioritize mental health alongside physical health, the First Lady emphasized the importance of creating safe and healthy working environments. She warned that poor mental health could lead to decreased productivity and urged employers to recognize the mental well-being of their staff as a crucial component of workplace success. “All hands must be on deck towards improving help-seeking behavior for emotional disorders,” she said.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, echoed these sentiments, discussing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and advocating for a cultural shift that views seeking help as a strength. She noted that a healthy workforce includes both physical and mental resilience, urging employers to prioritize mental health.
The event also featured contributions from Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, who reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to promoting mental health through various initiatives.
“At the Lagos State Ministry of Health, we have made mental health a top priority, and our efforts to build a mentally resilient society have been fruitful. One of our flagship initiatives, the LagosMiND project, continues to lead the way in expanding access to mental health services. In January 2024, LagosMiND launched a volunteer program that now engages over 100 volunteers who are contributing to research, media and content development, and community-based projects”, he said
“LagosMiND has also made significant strides in collaborating with government agencies and professional bodies to promote mental health awareness and its importance in various sectors. We have engaged with the Ministry of Education’s Education District 6, the Teaching Service Commission, the State Treasury Office, and professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management. These collaborations have been pivotal in discussing mental health’s impact on productivity and creating a culture of care and support in workplaces and educational institutions.
“Our work doesn’t stop there. We have expanded our library of digital mental health screening tools by more than 500%, giving residents of Lagos access to more resources to assess and manage their mental health. In addition, we have launched the first state-driven mental health program in Nigeria to provide resources and free mental health counseling and psychosocial support to NYSC corps members throughout their service year. This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, underscores Lagos State’s commitment to supporting young people as they transition into professional life.”, Dr Ogboye reaffirmed.
Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, shared insights on the state’s efforts to expand access to mental health services, including the new helpline.
Dr. Ajomale emphasized the importance of connecting individuals with healthcare professionals who understand their cultural and social contexts, particularly those who may have relocated abroad but still wish to contribute to mental health care in Nigeria. He noted that Lagos is pioneering this initiative in Nigeria and across Africa, with the support and directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. “The aim is to increase investment in mental health care and provide services through various channels, including workplace and community programs, while integrating these efforts with clinical services”, he said.
The “Lift Up Hope” event marked a pivotal step in raising awareness about mental health in Lagos, fostering a supportive environment for individuals and communities alike.
