By:
Osahon F. USIOBAIFO
&
Henrientta E. ABAVO
The Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State, in collaboration with Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Benin City, on Friday, July 24, 2026, hosted its 2026 Annual Mental Health Lecture with the theme, “Knowing Your Mental Health Status: A Pre-requisite for a Robust and Productive Economy”.
The event, held at the NUJ Press Centre at No 1 Sir Gabriel Igbinedion Way, Reservation Road, GRA, Benin City, attracted a diverse audience comprising government officials, academics, media practitioners, healthcare professionals, commercial transport operators, nursing students, civil society groups, and members of the public.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State, Mercy Onyeweli, expressed warm appreciation to the Medical Director of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Benin City, Dr Imafidon Osama Agbonile for the collaboration. She also appreciated the invited guests and participants for honouring the invitation, describing the annual lecture as a significant platform for addressing issues that are fundamental to the growth and development of society. According to Onyeweli, mental health is no longer a subject that should be concealed by stigma or silence, as it affect people across all age groups and professions. She noted that the choice of this year’s theme underscores the urgent need for individuals to understand and prioritize their mental well-being as a prerequisite for personal fulfillment, workplace productivity, and national economic growth.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr Bartholomew Okonkwo, a Senior Resident Doctor at Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, defined mental in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO), describing it as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, work productivity, and continue meaningfully to their communities’.
He explained that the overall well-being of individuals has a direct impact on the productivity of any nation, stressing that a healthy workforce remains a critical driver of economic development. Dr Okonkwo highlighted the importance of effective stress management, self awareness, productivity, resilience, and positive community engagement in maintaining good mental health.
He also educated participants on some common warning signs of mental health disorders, including persistent depression, unusual over-excitement, excessive anger over minor issues, prolonged sadness, and other behavioural changes. He urged members of the public to avoid habits and lifestyles that could negatively affect their mental health and encouraged those experiencing psychological distress to seek professional help promptly.
As part of activities marking the 2026 annual lecture, the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, had earlier, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, embarked on a mental health awareness and sensitization campaign across major locations in Benin metropolis. The outreach, which commenced at about 9.00 a.m. covered the route from King’s Square to the Central Motor Park on Obakhavbaye Street, with special emphasis on commercial; drivers. The campaign was designed to promote early detection of mental health conditions, increase public awareness, and reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness.
During the sensitization exercise, Dr Jonathan Oghenero Obu, a Registrar at Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, alongside other healthcare professionals, engaged commercial drivers and commuters through interactive health talks and brief counseling session. The team encouraged members of the public to seek professional assistance whenever they experience symptoms of mental health challenges.
Dr Obu stressed that mental health is just as important as physical health, noting that no individual can function optimally without sound mental well-being. He further appealed to the public to desist from stigmatizing persons living with mental health conditions, emphasizing that with timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and adequate support, many people with mental illnesses can recover and lead productive lives. He also advised commercial drivers to avoid the use of hard drugs, harmful substances, and alcohol, particularly while driving; warning that substance abuse significantly increases the risk of mental health disorders and road traffic accidents.
Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalist also used the opportunity to educate members of the public on the critical role of the media in promoting accurate information and positive narratives about mental health. They called on journalists and other media professionals to continue supporting campaigns aimed at eliminating discrimination and encouraging compassion for people living with mental health conditions. It is worthy of note that this initiative reinforces the importance of strategic partnerships in promoting mental wellness, encouraging early intervention, combating stigma, and building a healthier and more productive society.
