As Imo State joined the World Federation of Mental Health and the rest of the world in celebration of 2021 World Mental Health Day on Sunday October 10, 2021, a call has gone to every member of the society to look out for one another particularly as it relates to mood and behavioral changes in our family, friends and peer groups. The Office of Imo First lady, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups in partnership with Saint Hermanguild Foundation celebrated this year’s World Mental Health Day at the State Rehabilitation Centre for Destitute, Umuneke Ngor Okpala.
Speaking on behalf of Imo First lady, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, on the theme: “Mental Health in an unequal World” with campaign slogan - Mental Health Care for all, let’s make it a reality, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, said that mental health includes both our social, emotional and psychological wellbeing. “Our mental health determines how we handle stress, relate to others and function in making choices. A listening ear and a shoulder to cry on may be all one needs to stay balanced and focused. Let us be each other’s keeper.” She pleaded. Ugwu explained that the Ministry has been responsible for the treatment, rehabilitation and caring of the mentally challenged persons and to ensure that those mentally stable are reunited with their families and the larger society. She thanked the State Governor, His Excellency, Dist. Sen Hope Uzodimma for his unalloyed support to the Centre through his wife, Barr Chioma Uzodimma, disclosing that about 10 inmates of the Centre had become sane and returned to their families. She appreciated the support of St. Hermanguild Foundation as she called on spirited Individuals and Organizations to help government in sensitizing and educating the masses on the need to avoid mental problems and identify early signs in affected persons for quick intervention, adding that “by the Grace of God all the current inmates shall return healed to their people.”
Earlier in his address read by Miss Constance Eze, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saint Hermanguild Foundation, Mr Ifeanyi Hermanguild Uzomanze, said the purpose they joined the celebration was to raise awareness, educate and promote advocacy against social stigma on mental health illness and encourage every person, organization, government and group with interest in mental health education, promotion, service, advocacy or policy to continue raising awareness and supporting the mentally challenged globally. While donating a Generator Set to the Imo State Destitute Home, Umuneke Ngor Okpala as part of their support to the State government, the CEO disclosed that among other activities, the Foundation will soon commence teachings on the importance of good mental health in 10 schools in Imo State and would empower 10 people who are under rehabilitation with skill acquisition program. He commended the State government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups for making the Rehabilitation Centre safe for recovery and rehabilitation and assured of their continued partnership with the ministry.
Others present at the celebration were Hon Cajetan Akuta, HRH, Eze Fred Nwachukwu of Umuneke, Sir David Osagie, Mrs Emelumba, Dr. Usoh, Mrs Uzomanze, the mother of the CEO of Heminguel foundation, staff of the ministry, amongst others. Those who spoke expressed joy seeing the improvement in some of the inmates who ate, danced, rendered songs and praises to God. They thanked the State government, Imo First lady, the Ministry of women affairs, and all workers in the Centre for allowing God to use them assist the mentally ill. In his vote of thanks, the Principal of Umuneke rehabilitation center Mr. Kingsley Nwanozie, thanked the state Government for taking over the rehabilitation center. He thanked the Heminguel foundation for their donation of the generator and asked that they and other foundations do more for the center and others similarly situated. Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of Meritorious Award to the Commissioner and Proffessor Jude Ohiaeri by the Foundation, the presentation of KVA Generator Set to the Centre and the presentation of gift items to the inmates by the Hon. Commissioner.
TO GOD BE ALL GLORY.
Jane O. Amucha
PRO, MWAVG
Oct. 2021
Publisher: Don Martyn L.O
Ikeduru APC Media Hub
08032950897
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