Ogun Government Warns of Surge in Mental Health Cases Across the State

The Ogun State Government has raised serious concern over the rising rate of mental health cases being recorded across the state, revealing that more than 10,000 patients received treatment within the first half of 2025, out of which 1,000 were new cases.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, disclosed this during a press briefing held in commemoration of the 2025 World Mental Health Day, themed “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Kayode Oladeinde, Coker lamented that over 90 percent of Nigerians living with mental health conditions still lack access to proper and consistent care.

She emphasized that mental health is not a privilege but a basic human right, stressing that Ogun State continues to witness a worrying increase in mental health challenges. According to her, data from the state’s four mental health service centres located in Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro, and Ota, show that over 10,000 patient visits were recorded within the first six months of 2025, with almost 1,000 being new patients. The prevalent conditions treated included psychosis, neurosis, epilepsy, depression, and substance use disorders.

Coker attributed the low level of access to care to stigma, inadequate services, and financial limitations. She appealed to families to create open and supportive environments for discussing mental health concerns, while urging employers to develop workplace policies that promote emotional and mental well-being.

The Commissioner also called on religious and community leaders to use their platforms to preach empathy and encourage access to care. She further urged the media to report responsibly, fight against discrimination, and spread messages of hope.

“For every citizen of Ogun State, always remember — if you are struggling, you are not alone. The government is ready and willing to support you,” she said.

To mark this year’s World Mental Health Day, Coker announced that the government has lined up several activities, including media engagements, radio sensitisation, and virtual public lectures focused on this year’s theme. These initiatives, she added, are designed to increase awareness, mobilise community action, and reaffirm Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to ensuring sustainable and affordable healthcare for all residents of Ogun State.