By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
line with the Pyrates’ tradition of being the first to help those in need, the National Association of Seadogs’ Honduras and Blizzard Decks joined forces with Nedal Psychological Clinic to launch a five-day medical mission in Anambra, targeting the growing issue of mental health concerns.
The event which commenced on 3rd April, 2025 with a Radio talk show at the Unizik FM had as its theme, “Mental Health Fair: Guarding our Future and Protecting Youth’s Minds.” It equally had a five days Psychological screening, consultations and counselling services to the public at Pearl Suites, Ifite Road, Awka and a wrap up with another Radio Talk Show on Anambra Broadcasting Service Radio Awka on 7th, April, 2025.
Speaking shortly after the event, Dr. Vincent Onwughalu, Capoon, Honduras Deck said NAS Medical Mission is the association’s special purpose vehicle to reach out to those who do not have access to health care. The ongoing Mental Health Fair is part of the association’s concerted efforts to promote access to health care in commemoration of the World Health Day 2025 in our own immediate environment.
He pointed out that different decks of the association globally are also carrying out various activities and events that are health and wellbeing related based on the peculiarities of their respective immediate environments for the benefit of the public.
According to the Capoon, “given the level of hardship in the country and how this impacts the mental state of people, it became imperative to create an avenue where professionals in the field of mental health can attend to the members of the public who leverage the opportunity of Mental Health Fair provided by the association.
“In this case, beyond the consultations with the professionals for screening, assessment, diagnosis, etc, at least ten (10) persons whose cases are considered to be beyond benign would be escalated for treatment. Furthermore, those who attended the Fair and those who listened to us over the radio know that they can easily access our partner in this event, Nedal Psychological Clinic, Awka, any day in person and/or virtually. Importantly, it is not a one-off event. As far as the conditions that cause depression, anxiety, suicide, suicide ideation, etc, are prevalent in our environment, we will continue to come up with similar events based on the findings of our research”.
He added that Credible organizations that share our vision of a just and egalitarian society, where no one is a victim of discrimination, marginalization, colour, sex, belief, etc, are at liberty to partner with us. We are open for functional partnerships and effective collaborations.
He called on the public to take their health and well-being very seriously. “We need to be alive and healthy, to enjoy the fruits of labour. In this part of the world, mental health is yet to be given the desired attention. I enjoined the members of the press, especially the journalists who cover health, to join the advocacy for the awareness”.
In his address Prof. Nnaemeka C. Abamara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist/Mental Health Expert and the MD/CEO, Nedal Psychological Clinic, Awka, “mental health is part of a bigger health issue but has a problem because most Nigerians do not take care of their mental health, which can affect the general health of humans.”
Abamara described mental health as a collective response to behavioural changes. Good mental health will enable a person to live a life free of stress. People should pay attention to their mental health.
The Unizik Don attributed some root causes of mental health among Nigerians as abuse of drugs, economic meltdown, and high price of commodities, leading to excruciating mental problems such as depression, stress, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder, as a result of inability to pay school fees feed, pay rent, among others.
He advised the public to seek the services of a clinical psychologist/consultant for expert advice and prophylaxis, do things like relax your mind like exercise, sightseeing and do little you can and leave the rest for nature. While adding that people should reduce high work where they work from January to December without taking time for vacation to rest.
On his part, Vincent Uwukhor, Second Mate, Blizzard Deck maintained that despite the growing awareness of health and wellness, many communities still lack access to reliable, preventative care resources and lifestyle education. “Mental Health issues is a public health concern and must be taken seriously this advocacy is needed to bridge this gap by offering accessible wellness services and raising awareness of practical steps individuals can take to improve their health. This initiative is designed to bring these resources directly to the community in a relatable and engaging format.”
He noted further that “raising awareness around preventive health practices and accessible wellness resources, facilitate community interaction with health and wellness providers, to promote Blizzard Deck’s community health initiatives, provide free blood pressure screenings and personalized health advice and encourage sustainable Mental Behavioral lifestyle changes among community participants are some key plans put in place to ensure a progressive society.
Project Officer and Second Mate, Honduras Deck, Emmanuel Udeh said the initiative to host the event was as a result of the abnormality in the country where people are under strains, struggling with economic hardship. “You notice an increase in stress and depression and we observed particularly among students, incidences of [attempted] suicide and regular complaints by academics. As a responsible organization known for foresights, instead of waiting to see the worst, we decided to take proactive steps where we can address this issue rather than allow the individuals to deteriorate to that level of degeneration, taking drugs, self-harm, or suicide ideation. We say, let’s allow them to talk to professionals and share their concerns, that way we are investing in their future and our collective sustenance.
“The programme started on 3rd April with a Radio Programme at Unizik FM where we sensitized the university community which is the primary target. The event proper continued till this day at Pearl Suite Awka, wrapped with the ABS talk show. It’s been impressive and I commend those many courageous individuals who came up to share their thoughts, utilize the opportunity and Nedal for offering their expertise and experiences”.
News Echo reports that the event will sets the groundwork for ongoing partnerships between Blizzard Deck, Honduras and community-based organizations. Insights and contacts gained will inform future community health pop-ups and outreach events.
