Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, has expressed concern over the rising mental health issues in Nigeria, attributing the worsening situation to the economic challenges under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a message marking World Mental Health Day, Obi highlighted that factors such as hunger, poverty, and income inequality are fueling an increase in mental health problems.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, emphasized that mental health is a critical issue that has been neglected in Nigeria. He cited data from the National Institute of Health, which estimates that between 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer from various mental health conditions. He also noted that suicide rates, driven by anxiety and depression, are on the rise.
Obi’s statement underscores the need for urgent attention to mental health issues, particularly as economic struggles deepen across the country.
