Group Vows To Trek From Osogbo To Lagos Over Rising Suicide Cases
David Osundeyi
A multimedia group, DAART-CHAS Integrated Media Services has sought for collaboration from well-meaning Nigerians to tackle the increasing cases of suicide in Nigeria.
This is as it said it will embark on a trek from Osogbo to Lagos to create awareness and raise funds to help those battling mental health issues.
Project Coordinator of the group, Innocent Kwantagora, stated this during a press briefing in Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun.
The group also disclosed that it is planning to auction 30-year old master art piece worth millions of naira with half of the fund going to be used to help people with mental health issues.
According to Kwantagora, the rate at which people are committing suicide is alarming, saying the root cause is depression which needed to be tackled in all possible ways.
He added that people who ought to be encouraging those battling with mental issues sometimes mocked them.
He said: “It is very clear to all that the issues of suicides and attempt suicide is alarmingly on the increase, and today we know also that it is not only the very poor that fall victim of this mental health problems. We have also in the recent weeks received news of very successful persons committing suicide.
“Now the root causes of the increasing cases are mental health issues; depression and the likes. Unfortunately, these have not been tackled as need be. As there is still lots of shame surrounding mental health issues. Members of the public do mock people who commit suicide or are battling mental health issues. We hope to bring light and education to these.”
