Psalm Ebube tasks FG to expedite action on suicide prevention

Gospel artiste-cum-suicide prevention advocate, Samuel Akinyemi, popularly known as Psalm Ebube has lamented the growing rate of suicide raging among youths and adults in Nigeria.

The popular musician, who was honoured as African Civility Educator of the year 2021 by I Change Nations (ICN) USA, a global body, called for a national suicide prevention strategies which will work towards the ultimate goal of suicide reduction.

“The absence of such strategy in Nigeria, is not only stalling the management and control efforts of suicide, but fuelling stigmatisation and discrimination of survivors of suicide and their relatives.

“Creating an enabling environment for suicide prevention in Nigeria through legislation requires urgent overhaul of our criminal legal system that will decriminalise suicide and attempted suicide, passage of the mental health bill that will promote mental well-being, prevent mental illness and ensure access to treatment of mental disorders.

“Prevention means community awareness programmes. These usually involve helplines and public education at workplaces and schools to increase knowledge and reduce stigma. Programmes draw on lay gatekeepers such as clergy, teachers, and first-line responders who receive special training. Along these lines, involving and training laypersons or non-specialised health professionals is an important means of suicide prevention, assessment, and management,” he said.

Recall that a 200-level student of the Faculty of Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University OAU, Adedeji Emmanuel recently committed suicide by drinking a poisonous substance. There have been other reported cases of young people commiting suicide.

Psalm Ebube, founder of Stay Alive Civility Global Initiative and the international best selling author of the book series, ‘Stay Alive’ tasked the relevant arms of government to act with urgency, the same energy used to fight COVID-19, should be put into suicide prevention.

According to the WHO, about 3.0 percent of Nigerians will have thoughts about ending their lives, during their lifetime while some will plan and actually attempt to kill themselves.

With an average of 15.1 suicides per 100,000 population per year, Nigeria is ranked 15th most suicide-prone nation in the world and 7th most at risk in Africa.

“Prioritising and tackling suicide, while providing leadership and guidance on the key evidence-based suicide prevention interventions is the way to holistically tackle suicide,” Psalm Ebube added.

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents

In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state…Zenith bank displays resilience  Zenith bank displays resilience

Selfies, video calls and Chinese documentaries: The things you’ll meet onboard Lagos-Ibadan train

The Lagos-Ibadan railway was inaugurated recently for a full paid operation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation after about a year of free test-run. Our reporter joined the train to and fro Lagos from Ibadan and tells his experience in this report…Zenith bank displays resilience  Zenith bank displays resilience