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Psychiatrist urges adoption of mental illness as public health issue

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Mental hospital

Dr. Tunde Ojo, a Consultant Psychiatrist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, FCT, has called on relevant stakeholders to address mental illness as a public health issue.

Ojo made the appeal on Sunday in Abuja, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in commemoration of the National Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Awareness Day.

He said posttraumatic stress disorder should be taken seriously and be top of the list of Nigeria’s awareness creation campaigns.

NAN reports that the aim of the Day is to raise awareness on PTSD, a mental health problem that could develop after a person has been exposed to one or more traumatic events.

He listed traumatic events that might cause PTSD to include, physical or sexual assault, war-related combat stress, terrorism, natural or man-made disasters, and other threats on a person’s life.

“People should seek for treatment from the right sources; and we should all work together to address the problem of stigma that is associated with mental health problems.

“It is the greatest barrier to accessing care among people that are living with this problem,” Ojo said.

He said one of the major protective factors against PTSD was mental resilience, saying it had to do with the ability of the mind to withstand adversities such as trauma and many other stressful conditions.

According to Ojo, PTSD has lasting consequences of traumatic ordeals that cause intense fear, helplessness or horror.

He also gave examples of things that could  bring on PTSD as the unexpected death of a loved one and accidents.

He explained that PTSD symptoms varied as one could be affected more if they felt stressed generally, or when they encountered a specific reminder about what happened.

“The goal of PTSD treatment is to reduce the emotional and physical symptoms, to improve daily functions, as well as to help the person better manage the event that triggered the disorder.

“Treatment for PTSD may involve psychotherapy (a type of counseling) medication or both,” he said.

Ojo, however, said research was ongoing into factors leading to PTSD and into finding new treatments.

He said some studies suggested that early intervention with people who had a trauma might reduce some of the symptoms of PTSD or prevent it all together.

Ojo therefore, advised the public against the use of medications without prescription, saying emotional or sleeping problems were very common with PTSD.

“Many resort to self medication and use of psychoactive substances like alcohol, cigarettes and other recreational drugs.

“It only worsens the situation in the long run. So final word is seek treatment early from the right source,” he said.

The mental health expert said there was need to teach children positive life skills, as well as create good and safe neighbourhoods for all class of persons.

“These and many more have been documented as having good impact on people’s mental health and reduces the risk of developing mental disorders later in life,” he said. (NAN)

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1,000 Prayer Warriors Storm Ilorin for Tinubu, Nation’s Deliverance

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

In a dramatic show of faith and patriotism, over 1,000 fiery prayer warriors from across Nigeria will descend on Ilorin, Kwara State, this Saturday, lifting their voices in intense intercession for President Bola Tinubu’s success and Nigeria’s survival in the face of biting economic woes and mounting insecurity.

The spiritual siege, themed “Walking in Domini”, is the maiden convention of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), with its Kwara State Chairman, Evangelist Thomas Adeboye, vowing that “heaven will hear and respond to Nigeria’s cry.”

Aside from marathon prayers, the gathering will roll out free medical outreach to locals across Kwara’s LGAs, a gesture aimed at touching both body and soul.

Adeboye, lamenting Nigeria’s “troubling economic and security realities”, called for a nationwide prayer uprising, insisting that Tinubu has shown the will to revive the nation but needs massive divine backing to succeed.

“Banditry, a collapsing economy, and political tension demand we seek God’s face like never before,” he declared. “We will storm heaven for wisdom for the President and governors to steer Nigeria to safety.”

The convention will also feature awards to distinguished personalities, soul-lifting worship, fiery sermons, and unity-driven lectures—all capped with thunderous prayers for Nigeria’s redemption.

Adeboye urged the President to ensure every policy has “a human face,” stressing that Nigerians must not only endure but also enjoy the fruits of governance.

With the OAIC promising to reaffirm believers’ authority in Christ and rally spiritual boldness in the face of national challenges, Ilorin is set to become the epicentre of a powerful spiritual warfare for Nigeria’s destiny.

 

 

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Nigerian Anglicans Condemn Lesbian Archbishop of Wales, Deepening Global Anglican Rift

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…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.

In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”

Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.

The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).

The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).

“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.

 

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Anglican Church Urges Government To Prioritize Citizen Welfare

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Anglican Church in Service

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens.

During a recent church service in Abuja, Ndukuba noted that many Nigerians are struggling with challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. He urged state and local governments to implement new initiatives to lessen the impact on their communities.

The Primate also stressed that the federal government must effectively monitor its programs to ensure that Nigerians fully benefit from the nation’s democratic gains. He argued that if the current administration can effectively tackle corruption, the country would significantly benefit from the economic policies of President Tinubu’s government.

Ndukuba concluded by asking the congregation to continue praying for those in authority, remain committed to national unity, and show love and support for the less privileged. He also tasked the newly inducted members of the Church Mothers’ Guild with aggressively spreading the gospel.

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