Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Abayomi Olajide, has called on the Federal Government to pay greater attention to mental health services.

Mr Olajide, also the Chairman, Mental Health Action Committee in Ogun State, made the call in Abeokuta on Wednesday during a mental health awareness walk commemorating the World Mental Health Day 2026.

The 2026 World Mental Health Day is with the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

He said that rising mental health challenges and limited access to care require the government and key stakeholders to make mental healthcare a priority.

The consultant psychiatrist explained that less than 10 per cent of people living with mental health challenges had access to care, with most treatment funded out-of-pocket.

“I think this is one of the reasons why we have to make mental health issues our great priority, because more people are living with the burden.

“Health insurance is not yet well covered for mental health challenges. We really need to speak out louder for proper focus on mental health services,” he said.

On substance abuse, he said the situation requires urgent government intervention, describing it as an issue that should attract a state-of-emergency response.

Mr Olajide said substance abuse was increasingly affecting young people, noting that drug use among secondary school students had become a growing concern.

“When you walk into any mental health facility, either private or public, you find out that 90 per cent occupancy happens to be from substance use disorder.

“When people get to JSS 3 or SS 1, the level of codeine and other substance use is at a greater level. Substance abuse is also prevalent among people at parks and garages, with both males and females mostly effected,” he said

He called for an approach involving the education sector, saying schools, universities and polytechnics should strengthen drug prevention programs and awareness campaigns.

Mr Olajide also advocated support groups for people struggling with substance abuse, as well as proper rehabilitation and reintegration for those deeply affected.

Also speaking, President, Association of Resident Doctors, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Dr Chidi Ikwumezie, said the mental health awareness walk marked the first phase of activities commemorating world mental health day.

Mr Ikwumezie said the theme called for listening to people’s experiences, challenging stigma and translating mental health conversations into meaningful action. 

(NAN)