Ogun State has reported that over 10,000 mental health patients visited its four service centers in Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro, and Ota during the first half of 2025
Tomi Coker, the state’s Commissioner for Health, revealed this at a news conference in Abeokuta on Friday to mark the 2025 World Mental Health Day.
Represented by Kayode Oladehinde, the ministry’s permanent secretary, she noted that nearly 1,000 of these patients were new, with the remainder coming in for follow-up care.
“The numbers highlight the growing burden of mental health issues in Ogun State and reflect the chronic nature of these conditions,” Coker said. “The most common conditions recorded were psychosis, neurosis, epilepsy, depression, and substance use disorders.”
The commissioner described the 2025 Mental Health Day theme, “Access to Services Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” as both timely and urgent. She highlighted that disasters—ranging from floods and disease outbreaks to insecurity, conflicts, and natural calamities—leave not just physical destruction but lasting psychological impacts.
To mark the occasion, the state government has organised activities aimed at raising awareness and engaging communities on mental health. Coker emphasised that ensuring mental well-being requires collective action.
“Families should create safe spaces for open conversations on mental health. Employers need to foster supportive workplaces. Religious and community leaders must use their platforms to promote care and compassion, while the media should report responsibly, challenge stigma, and spread hope,” she said.
Coker reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to providing sustainable, affordable health coverage to all residents, noting that mental health services would remain a priority. She concluded that Ogun State aims to ensure mental health care is accessible, affordable, and acceptable to everyone.
