By Margaret AKPAN
The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA), Akwa Ibom State, Prince Emmanuel Sam, has advocated for increased opportunities for youths of the state in governance and also called on Governments at the state and Federal levels in Nigeria to focus more on proactive measures in the fight against mental illness.
Prince Emmanuel Sam, who is also the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the Guide Newspaper made the call shortly before performing the Official Flag-off of a 4-day Arts Exhibition tagged “The Sacrificial Lamb,” in Uyo.
The INPA BOT Chairman noted that in as much as the Federal government and some state governments were taking steps to give care and attention to people suffering from mental illness, it was also important that a greater part of government commitment must be channeled into the task of creating policies and taking actions that have the tendency to reduce the rising incidence of mental illnesses in Nigeria.
“The America Psychiatric Association has listed common causes of mental illness to include drug abuse, depression, dementia, as well as stigma and discrimination. Now, some of these issues can be triggered by worsening economic situations. Government must therefore constantly make efforts to improve on the economic situation of the people and even embark on sensitization campaigns that help create awareness on how its citizens can protect themselves from becoming victims of this scourge. The Government of Akwa Ibom State must also do more in building more care centres for people suffering from mental illnesses. We must always remember that people suffering from mental illnesses are first of all humans before patients and hence they deserve to be shown care, and treated with respect, and not discriminated upon.”
Prince Sam who commended the young men behind the exhibition event said their effort in organizing the exhibition with the intent of using it to create awareness on issues of mental health was a good way of contributing to building our state.
“I have always been an advocate for more participation of young people in governance, especially in Akwa Ibom State. Young people in Akwa Ibom State are showing daily that they can make meaningful contributions to governance and consequently helping us to build this state. We must continue to open up more opportunities for them. It is not enough for them to be appointed as Personal Assistants. We must start appointing a 30-35 year old Akwa Ibom young person a Commissioner in this state. We must offer our youths the position to sit as Heads in strategic boards or agency of government and let them bring fresh ideas that will help move this state forward. I want to assure Akwa Ibom youths in all fields of enterprises that the Guide Newspaper will always support them in their endeavours. Never hesitate to reach out to us”
The Arts Exhibition which is taking place at the National Gallery of Arts brought together many exhibitors, medical practitioners, other young people in Akwa Ibom State, students as well as members of the political class.
