INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY: Strategies for Combating Rising Suicide Rates Among Men in Nigeria

 

The Elizabethan Humanitarian Life Foundation in Nigeria has been actively advocating for

the establishment of a Ministry for Men's Affairs to address issues affecting men, particularly the rising problem of suicide. Mrs. Oyinade Samuel-Eluwole, the founder/CEO of the foundation, emphasized the urgent need for the government to establish such a ministry to rescue men from the increasing rates of suicide, especially in Nigeria.

In her speech during the 2023 International Men's Day commemoration, Mrs. Samuel-Eluwole highlighted the alarming suicide statistics in Nigeria, with 80.6% of reported cases being males. The foundation identified financial challenges, societal expectations, and marital conflicts as significant factors contributing to the issue. Mrs. Samuel-Eluwole stressed the importance of allowing men to express themselves and communicate their challenges, which the foundation aims to facilitate through its intervention programs.

The foundation outlined its strategies to tackle the problem, including grassroots initiatives involving discussions and support, collaboration with various government ministries such as Education, Information and Strategy, Health, Interior, Youth and Sports, Justice, and Humanitarian Affairs. Additionally, they plan to engage in awareness campaigns in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Lagos State, focusing on integrating discussions about psychological and emotional challenges into the curriculum.

Mrs. Samuel-Eluwole shared insights gained from surveys on the social needs of males, revealing challenges faced by men at the grassroots level. The foundation also expressed concerns about the impact of financial constraints on parents, leading some to release their children to the streets. The foundation aims to provide opportunities for education and vocational training for youths to address these challenges.

Despite challenges, Mrs. Samuel-Eluwole reported positive acceptance from society regarding the foundation's mission, acknowledging the pressing need for assistance for the male gender. The foundation has conducted a self-sponsored survey and joined the Nigerian Network of NGOs to collaborate with other organizations advocating for societal well-being.

In a related development, the Lagos State Government, represented by Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), emphasized the importance of breaking the culture of silence among men to address suicidal tendencies. Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi spoke during an event commemorating the 2023 International Men's Day in Ikeja, with the theme "Zero Male Suicide." She highlighted the global impact of suicide and stressed the need for comprehensive, multi-sectoral suicide prevention plans to effectively address the issue. The DSVA's commemoration aimed to encourage men to impart positive values, character, and responsibilities to the younger generation, focusing on men's overall health and well-being.