The Ogun State government says data from its four service points in Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro, and Ota show that 10,000 mental health patients visited in the first half of 2025.

Tomi Coker, the state commissioner for health, disclosed this at a news conference in Abeokuta on Friday to commemorate 2025 World Mental Health Day.

Ms Coker, represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Kayode Oladehinde, explained that out of the 10,000, nearly 1,000 were new patients, while others were follow-ups.

The commissioner added that the burden of mental health was real and growing in the state, saying the development had reflected the chronic nature of mental conditions.

“Data from Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro, and Ota show that in just the first half of 2025, we recorded over 10,000 patient visits and nearly 1,000 were new patients while others were follow-up cases, reflecting the chronic nature of these conditions.

“The top conditions were psychosis, neurosis, epilepsy, depression, and substance use disorders,” she said.

The commissioner noted that the theme for the 2025 Mental Health Day: “Access to Services Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”, was timely and urgent.

She stressed that catastrophes and emergencies were all around, locally, nationally, regionally and globally.

“From floods, disease outbreaks, insecurity, conflicts and natural disasters.

“These events do not only destroy infrastructure and livelihoods, they leave deep psychological scars,” she said.

In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, Ms Coker stated that the state government had lined up activities aimed at raising awareness and mobilising communities.

She said the gesture reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s government toward sustainable and affordable health coverage to all citizens, adding that mental health access would not be left out.

“Government alone cannot solve this problem, as we all need to act.

“As families, we should create safe spaces for open conversations on mental health with our relatives.

“Employers should build supportive workplaces that promote mental well-being. As religious and community leaders, we should use our platforms to preach compassion and access to care.

“Our media should report responsibly on mental health, challenge stigma, and spread hope,” she said.

The commissioner said the state government was committed to building a state where mental health services remained accessible, affordable, and acceptable to all.

(NAN)