Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital MD task Media Practitioners on mental health advocacy

By Isaac Eranga

Members of the Federated Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, have been charged to sensitize the public on mental health advocacy as a way of implementing their social responsibility to the people of Edo State.

The Medical Director of Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital,   Uselu, Dr. Osama Agbonile Imafidon made this passionate appeal  while receiving  members of Federated Chapel who paid him a courtesy visit  in the hospital boardroom in Benin City.

Dr. Osama Imafidon who differentiates advocacy stories from other news items, reminded Media outfits to also use advocacy stories on mental health sensitization to implement their civic social responsibility to the society.

According to him, the Edo People would benefit so much from the partnership between the media and the hospital.

The Medical Director who queried why some media houses bill the institution for mental health advocacy stories which according to him should be seen as one of the social responsibility of the media to the people,  said the media should find a way to look into that and make some adjustments.

He however commended Speed FM for helping the mental health institution to host two advocacy programs without collecting money.

“You know, we have child and adolescent unit which people don’t know. I want you all to know that Children also have mental health problems which can lead to mental illness. Because, we have been able to sensitize the people on radio, a lot of persons have been coming and getting succor to their challenges. The center is known as a catalyst in the business of changing people's lives. If those kids did not come on time, their lives would be damaged. You know that,  that kind of social responsibility is priceless.

“You are powerful with the kind of media houses that constitute your chapel, so make yourself powerful. The advantage of this chapel is that you can syndicate your news story", Dr. Osama Imafidon said.

A former Edo State Commissioner of Communication and Orientation, who doubles as the Public Relations Officer of the hospital -  Mr. Efe Stewart also commended the chapel members who according to him, had contributed to the struggle and success story of the hospital. He sued for sustenance of such partnership. He charged members to write on the achievements of the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu. 

Earlier, the Chairman of Federated Chapel, Comrade Mercy Onyenweli commended the Medical Director’s achievements since his inception in office.

She assured the Medical Director of partnership between the Hospital and members of the chapel who will always publish advocacy stories as a way of implementing their social responsibility.

Members of Management Staff that accompanied the MD of the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, include: the Public Relations Officer Hon.  Efe Stewart, Head of Audit Mrs. Rasheeda Igbnosa, Head of Nursing Services Mr. Barry Idahosa, and others.