An important discourse on mental health took center stage on July 2, 2025, as the Board of Fellows (BOF) of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) convened its 7th Public Lecture. Themed "Mental Health: A Basic Human Right Crucial to Personal, Community, and Socio-Economic Development," the event aimed to elucidate the necessity of acknowledging mental health as an integral component of human rights.
The lecture took place at the Festival Hotel (formerly Golden Tulip) in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos State, gathering top industry leaders, stakeholders, policymakers, academics, and practitioners dedicated to discussing the pressing issues surrounding mental health.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion included Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, President of the PSN; Brig. General MB Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Honorable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, DG of NAFDAC, represented by Dr. Rametu Momodu, Director of VMAP; Pharm. (Mazi) Sam Ohuabunwa, Past President of PSN; Pharm. Elechi Oyim, National Chairman of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN); Dr. Maureen Nwafor, National Chairman of the Clinical Pharmacist Association of Nigeria; Pharm. Bankole Ezebuilo, National Chairman of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP); Pharm. (Dr.) Obalolu Ojo, MD/CEO of Merit Healthcare Ltd; and Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, a distinguished Consultant Psychiatrist and Managerial Psychologist, CEO of Realmed Consulting Services.
In his welcome remarks, Pharm. (Prince) Gbenga Falabi, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, emphasized the significance of the lecture in the larger context of national growth and development. “Today’s topic is urgent and impactful,” he remarked, sharing insights on how the lecture will emphasize mental health’s critical role in human rights.
Furthering the discussion, the National Chairman of the Board of Fellows, PSN, Pharm. Uchenna Uzoma Apakama, noted, “This mid-year meeting is one of the statutory annual meetings of the board, incorporating the public lecture to highlight pressing issues affecting our society.” He emphasized that more than a quarter of Nigerians experience mental health issues, exacerbated by socio-economic challenges such as poverty, internal displacement, insecurity, and unemployment. He articulated the need for public advocacy to promote awareness about mental health and facilitate community support systems.
The Honorable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, reinforced the relevance of mental health in today’s societal context. He declared that mental health is not merely a medical issue but a fundamental human right. “Everyone deserves access to mental healthcare regardless of their socio-economic status. It is crucial for personal development, community stability, and national productivity,” he asserted. Hon. Obasa highlighted the Lagos State Mental Health Law of 2018, which aims to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all citizens.
Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, President of the PSN, added, “As pharmacists, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for mental health issues because we possess the knowledge about drugs and their use. It is essential that our profession is represented in institutions such as the NDLEA to ensure informed and effective drug policies.”
Brig. General MB Marwa, Chairman of the NDLEA, emphasized the interconnectedness of mental health and public safety. He remarked, “This event provides me with an opportunity not only to convey the felicitation of NDLEA but also to briefly share reflections on the progress we have collectively made in our shared quest to build a healthier, safer nation. The theme is not only timely but essential, as mental health is central to human development.” He noted that mental health is more than merely the absence of mental illness; rather, it's a state of well-being where individuals can realize their potentials, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Marwa pointed out the significant challenges that hinder progress in the area of mental health, such as stigma, lack of awareness, and under-investment. “At the NDLEA, we see how substance use disorder compromises not only personal health but also tears apart families and weakens community bonds, fueling cycles of crime, poverty, and insecurity. Behind every drug user is a family in distress and a society bearing the costs of lost productivity,” he cautioned.
He emphasized the need for strategic collaboration with pharmacists, stating, “Pharmacists are seen as strategic partners in this endeavor. Your profession sits at the critical intersection between public health and drug control, making your knowledge vital in our fight against substance abuse.”
He applauded the PSN's recent efforts in reforming the retail drug sector, particularly through the Pharmacists Council Bill Act 2023, which he said strengthens regulatory frameworks and enhances collective action against pharmaceutical drug abuse across the country. “Despite our efforts, we still face issues with prescription practices, including self-prescribing and the illegal sale of drugs like tramadol. We must focus on addressing these problems in line with regulations,” he stated.
Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, the keynote speaker, posed an insightful question to the audience, asking, “If you are in this hall and you have mental health issues, please raise your hand.” The varying responses underscored the stigma surrounding mental health as she urged the audience to recognize that mental health affects everyone, regardless of their circumstances. “The theme for today highlights the undeniable role of mental health in shaping personal well-being and socio-economic progress,” she articulated.
Dr. Abiri pointed out that despite increasing global awareness, mental health remains one of the most neglected areas in public health. “More than two-thirds of individuals suffering from mental health conditions do not access the care they need. We must recognize mental health as a basic human right,” she urged, stressing the critical need for awareness and advocacy. She highlighted the tragic reality that many individuals with mental illness face mistreatment and stigma, often being shunned by society rather than receiving the compassionate care they deserve.
“The good news today is that we all have mental health. We often perceive mental health as a binary condition—either you have it or you don’t. It's important to understand that we are all on a continuum, and depending on the life challenges we face, our resilience, and the support systems available to us, we can thrive or struggle under pressure,” Dr. Abiri explained.
She also underscored the pivotal role pharmacists play in advancing mental health initiatives. “As the most accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking help. You can provide psychoeducation, support adherence to psychiatric medications, and identify those who may be struggling. Your position empowers you to influence change,” she stated. Dr. Abiri called on pharmacists to normalize conversations about mental health, combat stigma, and advocate for integrated care models that collaborate with psychiatric services.
Offering practical wisdom, she concluded, “Mental health is not a footnote in public health; it is a cornerstone of our human dignity, social justice, and national prosperity. As pharmaceutical professionals, you are not just dispensers of medicine; you are the gatekeepers and custodians of well-being. You have the power to combat stigma, promote healing, and champion the rights of individuals with mental health conditions.”
After the main lecture, the audience engaged in a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Pharm. (Dr.) Monica Eimunjeze, facilitating an interactive exchange of ideas and strategies on addressing mental health concerns within communities and promoting policy changes. This session provided a platform for attendees to share insights and experiences, empowering them to advocate for better mental healthcare access and support systems.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment among attendees to focus on mental health as a cornerstone of national prosperity and community well-being. The 7th Public Lecture of the PSN not only highlighted the critical importance of mental health as a human right but also called for collective action to ensure equitable access to mental health care for all citizens in Nigeria.
Through collaboration and determination, the stakeholders emphasized their responsibility to pave the way for a healthier, more inclusive society where mental health is prioritized as a fundamental element of overall well-being. This meaningful and timely discourse left a lasting impression on all participants, inspiring them to take proactive steps in advocating for mental health awareness and support in their communities.
