The Impact Of Nigerian Mental Health Bill On Nigerians

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being that is often overlooked, particularly in Nigeria. Despite the high incidence of mental health disorders in the country, the subject remains largely stigmatized, and access to mental health services remains limited. Studies estimate that one in four Nigerians experiences some form of mental illness during their lifetime. Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are among the most common conditions. Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction, is also a growing concern in the country.

Mental health stigma is one of the primary barriers to seeking treatment in Nigeria. Negative attitudes and beliefs about mental illness persist, and many people are hesitant to seek help due to fear of being labeled or discriminated against. This lack of awareness and understanding also affects mental health service provision, with many health care providers lacking the skills and training to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
Limited Access to Care.

In Nigeria, the majority of people who need mental health services do not have access to them. This is due to a shortage of mental health care providers, as well as a lack of funding for mental health programs. The country also lacks a comprehensive national mental health policy, and mental health services are often not integrated into the broader health care system.

The Mental Health Bill

The signing of the Nigerian Mental Health Bill into law represents a major step forward in addressing the mental health needs of Nigerians. It ensures that all citizens have access to quality mental health services and that their rights are protected. The bill also sets the stage for the development of a comprehensive mental health care system that is responsive to the needs of all Nigerians.

Critics of the bill argue that it does not go far enough in addressing the underlying causes of mental illness in Nigeria, such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. They also point out that there are no provisions for funding or implementation of the proposed legislation.

Despite these criticisms, the Nigerian Mental Health Bill has been praised by many as a step in the right direction towards improving mental health care in Nigeria. The passage of this bill could also lead to increased awareness about mental health issues among Nigerians, which could help reduce discrimination against those suffering from mental illness and encourage more people to seek help when needed. Additionally, it could lead to improved training for healthcare professionals on how best to treat those suffering from mental illnesses, which would ultimately result in better outcomes for patients.

In conclusion, mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being that is often overlooked in Nigeria. However, the signing of the Nigerian Mental Health Bill into law is a significant moment for all Nigerians. It represents a commitment to improving the mental health of all citizens and ensuring that they receive the care and treatment they need. With the implementation of this bill, we can look forward to a future in which mental health is given the same importance as physical health and all Nigerians have access to quality care.

WALEOLA OLADITAN
oladitanomowaleola@gmail.com

cc @Lalastical

Towards Peaceful Elections In Nigeria

As Nigeria prepares for its upcoming presidential election, it is important to recognize the significance of Black History Month in the country. This month marks a time of reflection and celebration of the contributions of African Americans to the history and culture of Nigeria. It is also a time to reflect on the progress that has been made in terms of civil rights and social justice, as well as to consider how far there is still to go.

The Nigerian presidential election is an important event for all citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity. It is a chance for citizens to have their voices heard and their votes counted. However, it is also a time when tensions can run high and violence can erupt. This year, it is especially important that all Nigerians come together in peace and unity during this election season no matter who your candidate is.

Black History Month provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the struggles that African Americans have faced throughout history, including those faced by people in Nigeria today. It is also a chance to celebrate the progress that has been made towards greater equality and justice for all citizens. By recognizing these achievements, we can be inspired to continue working towards a more peaceful future for Nigeria.

In addition, Black History Month provides an opportunity for Nigerians to learn about different cultures within their own country. By understanding different perspectives on issues such as politics, religion, gender roles, and economic development, Nigerians can gain insight into how they can work together towards common goals during this election season.

Finally, Black History Month serves as a reminder that everyone has something valuable to contribute towards creating a better future for Nigeria. By recognizing our shared history and celebrating our differences, we can come together in peace during this election season and beyond.

As we celebrate Black History Month in Nigeria this year, let us remember that we are all part of one nation with one destiny: peace and prosperity for all citizens. Let us use this month as an opportunity to come together in unity and work towards creating a peaceful election season in Nigeria.

WALEOLA OLADITAN
Oladitanomowaleola@gmail.com

A Triple Whammy: The Plight of Nigerians in the Face of Fuel, Cash, and Power Scarcity"

Nigeria, once a beacon of hope and potential, is now plagued by a triple whammy of scarcity that is causing immense pain and frustration for its citizens. The scarcity of fuel, new naira notes, and electricity has brought the country to its knees and left its people feeling helpless and hopeless.

The scarcity of fuel is a never-ending nightmare for Nigerians. Long queues at petrol stations have become a common sight, with people spending hours waiting for their turn to buy fuel at exorbitant prices. The root cause of this problem is the mismanagement of resources by the government. Despite the fact that Nigeria is one of the largest oil producers in the world, yet its citizens are still struggling to access fuel. This is due to a lack of investment in infrastructure and a failure to properly regulate the industry.

To add to the misery, the country is also facing a chronic lack of electricity. Power outages are a daily occurrence, causing businesses to lose money and productivity. The lack of electricity is also affecting the daily lives of people, as they are unable to use basic appliances and are often left in the dark.

The scarcity of new naira notes is adding insult to injury. People are finding it difficult to access cash, with many banks running out of new notes. The situation is causing immense frustration, as people are unable to conduct their daily transactions and businesses are unable to operate effectively. There is a viral video of a lady half naked lamenting bitterly inside the bank; you can see that she is completely frustrated. There is another viral video of an elderly man in his sixties causing a scene right in front of everybody in the bank. The lack of cash is also affecting Nigerians, as people are unable to make purchases or have access to their own hard earned money. Bank servers are down and ATMs are not dispensing new notes.

The cost of transportation too has skyrocketed. Uber ,Bolt and the rest charge ridiculously, the commercial buses and the Keke Napep have increased their prices leading to a rise in the cost of goods and services all over the country. A country where poverty and hunger are widespread, the rising cost of food is hitting the people of Nigeria where it hurts the most. The result is that many are forced to go without meals, or to make tough choices between buying food and paying for other essentials such as housing and healthcare.

The upcoming elections is another chance for Nigerians to make the right decision as we now know who our enemies are. Political leaders make grand promises, but do nothing to address the real problems facing the people. Instead, they focus on personal gain and furthering their own interests. Many years ago, Nigerians leave voting to the market women due to the lack of trust in the government, but this time will be different as many youths are now wise. Nigerian youths are watching and waiting, and they will make their voices heard in the upcoming elections.

The scarcity of fuel, new naira notes & high cost of food, and electricity is causing immense pain and frustration for Nigerians. Nigerians are watching and waiting, and they will make their voices heard. It is time for change and we are not talking about the change that was promised in 2015.

With an articulated plan and obedience to their voting rights, the battified Nigerian youths will march forward on February 25 to cast their votes and preserve their future. You can either be Atikulated or Battified, but one thing you should never do is to be disOBIdient to the word of God. If you like sell your conscience and your future, God will not come down from heaven to save you. The upcoming elections will be a litmus test for the leaders of Nigeria, and Nigerians both home and abroad will be watching closely because It’s time for the government to deliver.

SONG OF THE DAY;
Se Na Like This by Wande Coal.


Lalasticlala
Ishilove
Semid4lyfe
Obinoscopy


WALEOLA OLADITAN

*******cont*****

A new director joined the management team and he was feared because he showed everybody he was bringing his own team on board. At this point we all had to buckle up in other not to get fired. Everyone due for promotion wouldn't even talk about the subject. I personally prayed more and gave in my best at work, at this point I didn't want any distraction. All of a sudden the new director started showing support towards my department. He would call me after work to hang out, I knew he was searching for information so I was really carefull. 

The lady on the other hand wouldn't stop calling this period. When I pick her call I try to be carefull of what I say infront of this new boss. I knew he had a mission, which is to get information about everybody in the organisation and I wasn't that type. When he noticed I wouldn't say much, he starts advising me about marriage. He says he wants me to marry soon, he likes my personalty and the way I carry myself. In my mind I knew he wasn't real, how come this guy that everybody feared is trying to be nice to me. I told some of my friends in other industry and they all agreed I should  go with the flow and learn how to play his card. He was obviously been political. Before I present anything to the management, I now show him everything. He would criticise and sometimes condem the whole project and tell me to start again. I spend more hours at work now, sometimes I work weekends. I was working overtime, I was getting too much stress but I continued to do my work diligently. 

However, this lady on the other hand was not happy we were not seeing as often as before. One day I told her about my work load, how I am been asked to restart a project from the beginning when I have gotten to the conclusion stage. Now I have to work with new vendors I don't know, members of my team were given works out of their job description. The fun we usually have while working turned into something else, we were all working under tension. All these I explained to her and she said she was going through the same thing in her department. After the conversation, we both agreed to go see a popular comedy show at EKO hotel and suites just to unwind that Friday. During the show I tried to laugh but when I remember office work and the pressure I was going through lately, I knew all I needed was rest. I had lost weight drastically.  After the show, while walkingg to the car park we saw some of our colleagues at work, we tried to avoid them but they saw us too early. Two ladies and a guy. We exchanged pleasantries and one of the ladies suggested we go to the club since its already late that she already told her parents she was going for Night vigil. I declined and explained to them I needed some rest. The other guy pushed and that was how we went clubbing that night. We all drank cognac and red bull; it was a very interesting night. While driving her home, she professed more love for me and everything got tensed up. I parked infront of her gate and we kissed for up to 30 minutes in the car.

**************
Hello Guys, hope you are enjoying the story. Please tag your friends,invite more people to criticise. I am trying to improve my writing skills. Thank you!

Yansh Doctor, although I don't understand what you have just typed but thanks anyways

Thanks @Olajay2053 and @Jopretty, I really appreciate. Will continue shortly!

Seven months ago this lady joined our company and she was introduced by the HR to everybody in the office. She has this calm personalty, everybody liked her pretty face so they gave her unnecessary attention. I too tried to spark up conversation a couple of times but my mind kept telling me there is something creepy about her; so I stopped  the unnecessary conversation except anything that has to do with office work.

2 months and some days after she joined the team, she calls me after work hours on the office CUG line which enables staff to talk to each other for free. She calls immediately after work hours and sometimes in the night; most times we talk about office work. One day after a stressful day , she sent me a text that she needed a ride home. I didn't reply the text,but she followed up with a call begging me to please drop her at home that her car was faulty. I played the good samaritan, I took her home.

The next day, she called around 5AM begging  me to come and pick her again. This I declined, telling her to call a Taxi instead. She got to work late and the whole office noticed. Her supervisor even shouted at her, it was a bad day for her. I didn't even look at her face throughout that day. 2 days later, we were paired to execute a project together by the management team. Because of the project at hand, had to apologise to her to enable a work flow between both parties. She said she wasn't offended at all. Then the whole bond between us started. We spend a lot of time after work, weekends we go to the movies together. We concluded the project and it was a success but the late night calls continued, we hung out together secretly and talked about life. One Friday, after several drinks we kissed and touched each other everywhere. After that day, I stopped picking her calls or replying her text messages.

She tried everything possible to get my attention, she finally succeeded when she told the management team how creative I was during our previous project. The management decided to pair us together on more projects. We started dating some days after, after work we would drive somewhere and have a good time, we were both happy. I told her I didn't want anything serious and she agreed. She started cooking, bringing snacks to the office for me, after a while, I returned the favour by ordering Pizza and Cup cakes . If she doesn't text or call in a day, I get worried. Some weeks later we started talking about the kind of partner we would both like to have. She told me Instantly that she liked me a lot, that I have the full package of her ideal husband. Sincerely I saw that coming but I didn't want anything serious. I told her my mind, told her that she is really beautiful but I don't deserve her. That day she cried like a baby, then I couldn't even point out why a lady in her late twenties don't have a serious relationship. I started avoiding her again, all of a sudden the whole office started giving me this negative attitude.


One afternoon I sparked up a conversation with her and I noticed everything came back to normal. The day I buy her cup cakes, i get this positive energy from everyone through out that period. Other management staff would praise me fo things I have been doing that nobody noticed during the 3 year I spent in the organisation. I was due for a promotion.

*************Thank you for reading guys, please feel free to correct me for any grammatical errors. Feedback is necessary abeg. I want to continue this true life story please encourage me.************

Its no news again that even with the economic
hardship Nigerians are facing at the moment,
clubs , bars and hotels are already making twice
their usual turnover.

I usually visit the pub duringweekends with friends,but now I find my self going there often to catch up on new jists and debates from professionals in various fields.


When fuel price increased, after work I prefer
driving down to a pub to wait for the traffic to
subside before hitting the road.

After some time I noticed my colleagues were doing the same, even those that usually dont hang out on a norm.

From my observations I concluded that so many staffwere inducted into this lifestyle just recently.
While traffic was the primary reason for some of
us, some dont want to go home until its very late
because of their nagging wives or loneliness;
while its a usual routine for a lot of people to
unwind and catch up with friends.

Popular bars and clubs are usually filled to the brim only on Fridays, but nowadays weekdays are just like any friday.

However, recently I noticed when I get to the pub
the atmosphere is as calm as a mortuary. Guys
who give critical analysis to current issues are
not there. The tables are scanty, I see a lot of
Malt bottles and table water. The big spenders on
the scene anymore.

When I finished my drink , I
drove down home taking note of hotels, bars I can
lay my eyes on; just a few cars outsite. So I said
to my self; does this mean the Muslims are the
highest patronisers of alcohol in Lagos state? The
cost of beer increased; patronisers increased too
but why is everyone including the Christians not
going to the pubs this period? Do Muslims
influence the social life of Lagosians ?



P.S this is a research and your comments are
welcomed. However, the aim of this post is not to
discredit any religion.