Peter Obi Links Rising Mental Health Issues to Economic Crisis Under Tinubu's Administration

 

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has attributed the rising cases of mental health issues in Nigeria to the deteriorating economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, highlighted these concerns in his message for World Mental Health Day, observed globally on Thursday.

In a post shared on his X handle, Obi emphasized that mental health is a critical issue in Nigeria that has not received the necessary attention. He expressed concern over the increasing number of suicide cases driven by anxiety and depression in the country.

Obi pointed to the worsening economic crisis, characterized by hunger, poverty, and income inequality, as significant contributors to the mental health challenges facing Nigerians. He noted that other socio-political issues further exacerbate the situation.

“The worsening economic situation resulting from hunger, poverty, and income inequalities in the country, coupled with other socio-political issues affecting the nation, have continued to fuel a growing menace of mental health cases,” Obi stated.

Citing statistics from the National Institute of Health, Obi revealed that an estimated 40 to 60 million Nigerians are affected by various forms of mental illnesses, underscoring the urgent need for better mental health support and services in the country.