Oyo State Marks First Official World Mental Health Day, Pledges Stronger Focus on Mental Health in Emergencies
The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Health, on Friday joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 World Mental Health Day with the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” The event, held at the Ministry’s premises, marked the first official state-level celebration of the global observance in Oyo State.
In her keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent secretary, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde emphasized that mental health is an integral part of public health and human resilience, especially during disasters such as epidemics, flooding, conflict, or economic shocks.
“The burden in any disaster is not only on bodies but also on minds,” Dr. Ajetunmobi said. “The psychological wounds may linger far longer than the physical ones. Mental health must therefore form a core component of our emergency preparedness, resilience, and recovery strategies.”
She noted that under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, FNSE, the Oyo State Government has implemented several initiatives aimed at strengthening mental health systems. These include the renovation of Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities to expand access to mental health services, the deployment of psychiatrists to general hospitals, and the appointment of Mental Health Focal Persons in all 33 local government areas.
The Commissioner also announced plans to inaugurate a State Mental Health Technical Working Group (TWG) to coordinate mental health emergency protocols, rapid response teams, and psychological first-aid training in collaboration with civil society, academia, NGOs, and traditional institutions.
Dr. Ajetunmobi commended partners such as the Asido Foundation and New World Specialist Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre for their technical and financial support, urging continued collaboration to expand access to mental healthcare across the state.
Mental health is the heartbeat of human resilience, “Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, and with our partners and professionals working together, Oyo State is building a health system that heals both body and mind,” Dr. Ajetunmobi concluded.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Shina Fakunle, Consultant Psychiatrist at Ring Road State Hospital, Ibadan, highlighted the urgent need for improved access to mental health services in Nigeria.
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. There is no health without mental health,” he said.
“In Nigeria, fewer than 300 psychiatrists serve a population of over 200 million. We must integrate mental health into primary, secondary, and tertiary care to close the treatment gap.”
Dr. Fakunle identified stigma as one of the greatest barriers to mental health care, calling for public awareness and policy reforms to make Oyo State a model for mental health reform in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Taiwo Okunade, a guest speaker, reflected on the impact of economic hardship on mental wellbeing, describing prolonged financial instability as a “quiet catastrophe.” He lauded Governor Makinde’s consistent payment of salaries as a stabilizing factor for civil servants’ mental health.
Similarly, Professor Jubril Abdulmalik, representing the Asido Foundation, stressed the need to integrate mental health into all aspects of healthcare, including maternal, child, and infectious disease services. He commended the Ministry of Health for marking the day officially for the first time in Oyo State’s history.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Akinyode Akinfemi praised the collaborative effort of partners and stakeholders, while Mr. Olufemi Lasebikan, representing Professor Victor Lasebikan, expressed optimism that the event would pave the way for more investment in mental health services across the state.
Giving the vote of thanks, Mrs. Samiat Olakemi Oke, the State Mental Health Officer, appreciated the leadership of Dr. Ajetunmobi and the unwavering support of the state’s health partners. She reminded participants that mental health is not merely an annual event but a continuous commitment to awareness, support, and action.
The commemoration of year 2025 World Mental Health Day event in the State, in collaboration with
Asido Foundation and New World Specialist Hospital and Rehabilitation Center brought together healthcare professionals, civil society actors, academics, and mental health advocates.
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