Ogun Records Over 10,000 Mental Health Visits in Six Months — Commissioner

The Ogun State government has revealed that over 10,000 mental health patient visits were recorded across its four service points in Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro, and Ota within the first half of 2025.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, made this known during a press briefing to commemorate the 2025 World Mental Health Day. Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Kayode Oladehinde, Coker described the rising cases as a reflection of the chronic and growing nature of mental health conditions in the state.

According to her, nearly 1,000 of the recorded visits were new patients, while the rest were follow-up cases. The top mental health conditions treated at the service points included psychosis, neurosis, epilepsy, depression, and substance use disorders.

Dr. Coker also noted that recurring crises such as floods, disease outbreaks, insecurity, and communal conflicts continue to leave deep psychological impacts on affected individuals.

She reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to ensuring that mental health services remain accessible, affordable, and acceptable to all residents.

The Commissioner further called for collective action, urging families to create safe spaces for mental health discussions, employers to promote supportive workplaces, and religious and community leaders to advocate compassion and access to care. She also appealed to the media to report responsibly, challenge stigma, and help spread messages of hope.