Mental Health Awareness Enhanced Economy Productivity, Community Participation-Dr.Okonkwo













Mental Health Awareness Enhanced Economy Productivity, Community Participation-Dr.Okonkwo


Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin 



 An expert in mental health, Dr. Okonkwo Bartholomew, has reiterated the critical role of mental health awareness in driving productivity and national development, warning that untreated psychological conditions continue to undermine workforce efficiency and economic growth.

Dr. Okonkwo, a Senior Registrar at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, made this assertion while delivering a keynote lecture titled “Knowing Your Mental Health Status: A Pre-requisite for a Robust and Productive Economy” at a one-day programme in Benin City, Edo State, said Mental health does not mean somebody that is mad.

He stressed that, mental health is somebody that have emotional stressed and psychological trauma.

The event was organized by the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, in collaboration with the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Uselu, with a particular focus on commercial drivers.


Dr. Okonkwo said some body that has good mental health provide the opportunity to contribute to family growth. 

According to the mental health specialist, regular screening, early diagnosis, and timely intervention are essential steps in addressing mental health challenges. 

He stressed on the need for sustained public enlightenment to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, noting that awareness of one’s mental health status is fundamental to building a resilient and productive workforce.

In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Professor Henry Oghoator, said the lecture could not have come at a better time as the country is experiencing a very difficult economic challenge.

Prof. Oghoator said ,"You will all agree with me that this Economic downturn could result in depression of the citizens. Therefore knowing your mental health status is a great deal."


Given her address, Chairman of the Federated Chapel, Mercy Onyenweli, described mental health as a key driver of national productivity and development. 


Onyenweli buttressed the increasing psychological pressures faced by journalists, commercial drivers, civil servants, and students, stressing the need for structured support systems.

"Mental health is no longer an issue that should be hidden behind stigma or silence. It affects everyone, regardless of age, profession, social status, or political affiliation. 
"As journalists, we operate under enormous pressure, reporting from conflict zones, disaster scenes, and emotionally demanding situations while working under strict deadlines. 

"Commercial drivers, students, security personnel, public servants, business owners, and indeed every member of society also contend with daily pressures that can significantly affect their mental well-being.

"A healthy mind is the foundation of a productive individual, a stable family, and a prosperous nation. It is therefore our collective responsibility to promote mental health awareness, encourage regular mental health checks, and create an environment where people can seek help without fear of stigma or discrimination," she added.


Onyenweli equally emphasized on the outreach programme, which included a mental health awareness campaign and free screening for commercial drivers, would become an annual initiative of the chapel.

Commenting, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council, Festus Alenkhe, commended the Federated Chapel for its proactive and impactful intervention. 

Alenkhe's challenged other chapels within the union to emulate the initiative by championing programmes that address critical societal issues.

The NUJ head appealed to journalists to go beyond news reporting by initiating programmes that directly impact the lives of citizens, stressing that the media must remain a catalyst for positive social change.

He urged journalists to extend their roles beyond reportage by initiating interventions that directly improve the lives of citizens, reiterating the media’s responsibility as a driver of positive social change.

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Transportation, Barr. (Dr.) Samson Erhaze, described the collaboration between the media and healthcare professionals as timely and strategic.

 He noted that mental wellness is closely linked to transportation safety, workplace efficiency, and sustainable development.



Stakeholders at the event called for sustained collaboration between the media, health institutions, and government agencies to deepen mental health awareness and integrate it into public policy and community engagement initiatives nationwide.








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