In a bid to improve the medical condition of members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Mind Management Foundation has urged the Federal Government to set up a mental health desk in police stations across the country.
Foundation’s Country Director, Barr. Arinze Emmanuel made the plea during a mental health awareness training organized for selected members of the police force in Lagos as part of activities marking World Mental Health Day.
It was observed that mental health issues are prevalent among the armed forces, police, and other paramilitary bodies which is one of the reasons for the excesses in some of the personnel.
Emmanuel said the mental health condition of police officers should be improved due to their role of protecting the lives of the citizens and enforcing law and order in the country.
“We found out that a lot of people are under immense pressure because of what they go through, which has now made mental health like a pandemic.
“We want to call on the government, corporate bodies, and all concerned persons to look at this area, it is a major concern, and it requires the attention of the authorities, media, and corporate bodies to help us fight this dangerous trend,” he said.
Emmanuel also makes a case to set aside budgetary allocations specifically for mental health.
“In this part of the world, mental health is not so important to our government because you can see that when you look at the budgetary allocation to that but in other parts of the world where they understand it, they give it a lot of attention in their budgetary expenditure and other parts of the economy,” he said.
On his part, AIG Idowu Owohunwa Lagos State Commissioner of Police explained that there is no office designated to check the mental health of the police officers apart from the general medical attention given to them.
The CP who was represented by the state’s Deputy PPRO, DSP Stephen Kuti, urged beneficiaries of the training to utilize the knowledge acquired.
“I want to implore all police officers here in little or no small measure, let’s see how we could cooperate with members of this foundation, and let’s see how they could help us improve our mental state.”
“This sensitization will go far in the minds of our police officers. Officers here will take the message down to their various divisions and will sensitize their other colleagues,” he said.
- Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri Quits From PDP - October 16, 2025
- Students Give ASUU, Federal Government 7 Days To Resolve Ongoing Disputes - October 16, 2025
- Yobe Retirees To Receive N5.8bn In Outstanding Gratuity - October 16, 2025