Towards driving a successful mental health advocacy with sustainable societal impact, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has emphasised the need for professional bodies—including the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BoF-PSN)—to partner more effectively with legislators.
Obasa, who acknowledged the rising global prevalence of mental health disorders, noted that Nigeria is not exempt. He stressed that only strong collaborations among stakeholders—including professionals, policymakers, institutions, and individuals—can yield meaningful outcomes in addressing the mental health crisis.
“Every individual deserves access to mental health care, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. It is not a luxury, but a necessity, a crucial component of our overall well-being. Mental health is essential for personal development,” he stated.
The Speaker made the remarks while serving as Chairman of the Seventh Public Lecture of the BoF-PSN, held on Tuesday, 2 July 2025, at the Festival Hotel, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos. He described the theme of the lecture—“Mental Health: A Basic Human Right Crucial to Personal, Community, and Socio-Economic Development”—as timely and globally relevant.
According to him, “We live in times where the mental health of individuals is increasingly becoming a matter of public concern because globally, there is a rising incidence of mental health disorders, and unfortunately, Nigeria is not exempted.”
While commending the pharmacists for spotlighting mental health, Obasa also noted a gap in their engagement with the legislative arm of government, which holds the authority to amend and review health-related laws. He urged improved communication with lawmakers to strengthen the healthcare system.
“A major mistake we make has to do with our failure to relate with the government institution or democratic institution that has responsibility to be of crucial help in our design.
“If I may ask, since when have we had engagement with the lawmakers, both at the state level, at the local government level, and at the centre? But you have a mission. You have a desire that you want to push through. But yet, the people who will make it reactive, you are not engaging them. And it’s not limited to this organisation or association alone. It’s all over. We’ve always believed that it’s all about the executive with respect to the institution called executive,” he asserted.
Obasa further stressed the essential role of legislators in health advocacy, noting that ignoring their function may derail any campaign.
“We must advocate for policies that promote mental healthcare, combat stigma, and support initiatives to enhance mental well-being. Together, we can ensure that mental health is recognised as a basic human right essential to personal, community, and socio-economic development,” he concluded.
The Speaker also charged the BoF-PSN to actively combat the circulation of fake drugs in Lagos State. He described the issue as a national menace but said that collaboration between the Pharmaceutical Society and regulatory agencies could help curb the spread.
Also speaking at the event, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Special Guest of Honour, linked the rise in mental health issues to fake drugs and substance abuse. He described mental health as a neglected aspect of public health and called for increased awareness and sensitisation campaigns by the PSN.
In her keynote address, Dr Gbonjubola Abiri, Consultant Psychiatrist and CEO of Redi-Med Consulting, said the priority now is not only treating mental illness but also prevention and promotion of mental health in the general population.
“The drive now is to ensure mental health promotion and the prevention of mental health disorders in the general population, while also ensuring that persons with mental disorders are given the best attention to manage their health so that they can live their best lives despite their conditions,” she said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Pharm. Uche Akpakama, chairman of BoF-PSN, appreciated all Fellows of the Society for their participation in the lecture, stressing the importance of national attention on mental health.
“It is documented that more than a quarter of the Nigerian population has mental health issues, exacerbated by the current socio-economic situations, including extreme poverty, internal displacement, insecurity, and unemployment,” he noted.
Akpakama expressed hope that the lecture would address the current state of mental health in Nigeria and outline the roles of pharmacists and other health professionals, while offering practical strategies to promote mental health awareness.
Also speaking, Pharm. Gbenga Falabi, chairman, Planning Committee, said the annual lecture is a platform for knowledge-sharing and policy development.
“Today’s insights will enhance our understanding of mental health’s critical role in personal, community, and socio-economic development,” he said.
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