An expert in psychiatric nursing, Mr. Adam Ndu has given insight into the increasing cases of mental challenges in the society.
He identified economic challenges, drug abuse as major issues fueling mental challenges.
Ndu spoke to journalists weekend ahead of a public lecture to be delivered by the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Monday.
The the 5th public lecture of the West African College of Nursing, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, has the theme: “Poverty and Drug Abuse; their nexus in Mental Illness”.
It will form part of the opening ceremony of a one-week certificate course in Adult Geriatric and Public Service.” Ndu, the coordinator of the programme, said the exercise was one of the efforts to confront the increasing cases of mental challenges in the society.
Senator Chukwuka Utazi representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Hon. Pat Asadu representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South in the House of Representatives, as well as Hon. Nelson Maduka Arum would receive philantropic award at the event.
He said, “The programme is meant for all health sectors; it is a very important one-week certificate course that would enable them key into modern trends in psychiatric health.
“Several factors in the society of today has predisposed people to issues of mental health; this is in addition to old age that comes with its own challenges.
“In addition to this is also prevalent rate of substance abuse in the present day society; people, especially the youths now immerse themselves in substances and this is in addition to economic challenges, all these culminate into giving rise to mental illness.
On why Ikpeazu was chosen for the lecture, Ndu said “he is the only Governor that has a programme in gerontology; we took notice of his efforts in that regards. He is a very sound academic and we are sure he will do justice to the lecture.
“Besides, the lecture also has a lot to do with the youths and he is one of the few governors that have taken serious interest in economic empowerment of the youths through his promotion of the made-in Aba goods.”
He equally revealed that the School was working on a proposal to establish “Bessie Ikpeazu Post-Basic School of Geriatric Nursing in Abia,” in memory of the Governor’s mother.
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