Parents and the wider society have been urged to take greater responsibility in addressing the growing menace of drug abuse and other social vices among young people, with experts warning that the trend is fuelling mental health challenges and criminal activities.
A psychologist at the Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital, Mrs. Funmi Gbadegesin, made the call during the inauguration of the Tornado Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, held in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State.
Gbadegesin attributed the increasing involvement of youths in substance abuse and other criminal acts to poor parental guidance and societal neglect, stressing that concerted efforts were needed to reverse the trend.
She also cautioned against the misuse of drugs and excessive use of mobile phones late at night, warning that inadequate sleep could have adverse effects on mental health and overall well-being.
According to the psychologist, not every mental health condition should be attributed to spiritual causes, noting that many cases are linked to drug addiction and other harmful lifestyle choices.
Also speaking, the Alafin of Afin, Oba Abdur-Raheem Adejoro, called on governments at all levels to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on mental health. He commended the Tornado Foundation for promoting awareness, particularly among young people, and urged the organisation to sustain its advocacy.
The President of the foundation, Mr. Taofeek Kilani, said the organisation was established in response to the growing number of youths whose lives and future prospects had been damaged by drug abuse and the consumption of other illicit substances.
Kilani appealed to the government to provide greater funding for psychiatric hospitals and recruit more mental health professionals to strengthen access to quality mental healthcare across the country.
In his presentation, a Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof. Adams Olatunji, said emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, could play a significant role in improving mental healthcare through early diagnosis, monitoring and support for patients.
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