By Our Reporter
Bayelsa State First lady, Dr Racheal Dickson , Information and Orientation Commissioner , Hon Daniel Iworiso Markson, Education Commissioner, Hon Jonathan Obuebite, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Developments, Hon Martha Jenakumo were among the dignitaries invited to the World Mental Health Celebration with theme: Young people and mental health in a challenging World : Let Talk about Mental health and stop discrimination, but did not send representatives.
The representative of the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, who was represented by a permanent Secretary, Dr Idodo Nathaniel Apoko, however did not wait to receive reactions and suggestions from stakeholders, but delivered an address that decried the dangers of drug abuse.
Contrary to the belief that mental health was spiritual, he attributed it to drug abuse. Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, reiterated the theme of the celebration as being apt, taking into cognizance of the involvement of youths in social vices traceable to drug abuse and rampant cases of mental health which were difficult to manage.
He said that the youths have cultivated the habits of taking tramadol, codeine and cough syrups with their attendant consequence.
The vice chancellor who was represented by the Vice Chancellor Academics of NDU, Prof. Donabebe Wankasi, further advanced societal demands, stress which youths are exposed to as being responsible for mental problems.
