By: Ajadi Sodiq and Mobolowarin Ogunleye

A non-governmental organization, Healing Labs Behavioural Services in collaboration with the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, on Saturday 10th December 2022 organised a sensitisation program, titled “Mental Health First Aid: The Emergence”. The event held at the Faculty of Art Large Lecture Theatre was organized to caution students and the general public on issues peculiar to stress and pressure.

The event was graced with the presence of Clinical Psychologist, Professor B.O Olley, Kingsley Chukwuma, Kunle Palemo, Samuel Adebayo, Chineye Adeleye, Tolulope Akinyemi, Adeolu Iterogba, Damilare Oluwasegun (Asiri comedy), Indy Press Editor-In-Chief, John Dare Okafor, among others, featured activities like yoga, spoken words and face painting.

Also at the event were members of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, led by the Vice President, Miss Oluotanmi Zainab. In his opening address, a Clinical Psychology expert, Professor B.O Olley enlightened students at the event on how to manage every degree of stress faced on campus.

“There are many students who are already overwhelmed with difficulties and problems and are contemplating suicide” Professor Olley said. “The way to maintain or have a stress-free day on campus is to keep good company or friends that will help improve physical and mental health” he added.

While noting that mental health can be stigmatizing and must be ameliorated, Professor Olley hinted that the University of Ibadan management is making an effort in progress to form a Committee, which would monitor and enlighten students on their mental health.

In her address, the Convener of the event and a Mind Transformation Specialist, Miss Beatrice Mokwunye explained the need to promote and achieve positive mental health outcomes as her self-drive and the strength for the vision which birthed the conference.

“Since I was in 100 Level, anytime I hear that a Uite is mentally or emotionally down, or at the verge of committing suicide, it saddens me. A motive which has ended up driving this idea” she added.

“Each time, I felt if I don’t do this, I’m depriving somebody of that opportunity to feel good and also feel the best of themselves” Miss Mokwunye added.