In its efforts to stem the rising cases of suicide in Plateau State and the country at large, especially among youths, the State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Thursday organised a sensitisation seminar to curtail the tide.
The union also said the event is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
The , which was tagged “Suicide is Not an Option”, was organised in collaboration with the Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), National Council of Women Society (NCWS) and the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs.
In his remarks, Chairman of Plateau NUJ, Comrade Paul Jatau, said the seminar was aimed at curbing the menace of suicide, which has become very common in the society.
Jatau said, “Suicide has become a menace in our society and as a union, we thought it wise to collaborate with other organisations and put this together.
“This is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at curbing the menace in the society.
“People need to be sensitised on the negative effect of suicide; young people must know that suicide is not an option.
“People don’t necessarily have to take their lives because they are passing through some difficulties,” he maintained.
The NUJ Chairman called on government at all levels to tackle poverty, unemployment and other social challenges that mostly push young persons to commit suicide.
He, however, called on parents to pay special attention to their families, adding that neglect by parents remain a key factor that contributes to the increasing cases of suicide, particularly among the youths.
“The government needs to put more effort in addressing poverty, unemployment and other pertinent social issues.
“But basically, parent must give attention to their families. Parent must show love and create more time for their families,” he advised.
In the same vein, the chairperson of FIDA in the state, Barr. Mary Izam, called on young people to desist from taking their lives, adding that the future of the country lies in their hands.
Izam maintained that, life is meant to be enjoyed; hence, shortening it is denying the society the privilege to benefit from God’s creation.
She called on young persons to reform their minds and change in attitude to stem the tide of the menace in the society.
Members of the NUJ, FIDA, NMA and others walked through some major streets in Jos creating awareness on the negative effect of suicide.
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