A New Hope for Mental Health and Drug Rehabilitation in Ondo
Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has made a strong commitment to addressing the growing challenges of mental health disorders and drug abuse within the state and the country as a whole. This pledge was highlighted during the official commissioning of the Minds Medica Specialist Hospital and Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Ondo City. The facility aims to provide timely and effective intervention for individuals and families affected by mental health issues and substance abuse.
The governor praised the initiative of Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, a former lawmaker and medical doctor, who founded the hospital. He described the facility as a “beacon of hope” for those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse. According to Aiyedatiwa, the mission of Minds Medica to offer accessible, affordable, and high-quality mental health services is a bold step towards preserving the well-being of the people in all aspects—body, mind, and spirit.
He emphasized that the opening of the hospital sends a powerful message that mental health is a priority. “Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” he said, encouraging people to take their mental health seriously.
Dr. Adeyeye shared his motivation behind establishing the hospital. He pointed out the lack of adequate facilities to address risk factors and treat individuals with mental disorders, especially in Ondo. He noted that prior to the establishment of this center, the only available treatment option was the government-owned neuropsychiatric hospital in Akure.
“Drug abuse is an epidemic in our society. It is an emergency that requires urgent action,” he stated, highlighting that the hospital was created more as a mission than a profit-driven enterprise. He stressed the importance of being proactive in tackling the issue, given the rising rates of hard drug use and mental health problems across the country.
Professor of Medicine, Olufunke Adeyeye, also spoke at the event, linking the rise in suicide cases to drug use among young people. She warned that untreated patients often end up abandoned on the streets or confined without proper care. She expressed concern over the impact of inadequate treatment infrastructure on families and communities.
“If they don’t die, they are locked up somewhere or on the street with no productivity and suffering. When one mental issue is in a family, the whole family suffers,” she said. She added that many young people in schools and homes are using various drugs, leading to nervous breakdowns and contributing to broader societal issues.
Dr. Dokun Adedeji, CEO of Compassionate Care Recovery Initiative, emphasized that rehabilitation is possible but stigma remains a major obstacle. In his lecture on ‘The Burden of Mental Health Disorder and Drug Addiction in Nigeria,’ he shared success stories of individuals who have recovered and gone on to become doctors and lawyers.
Adedeji highlighted that about 25% to 30% of Nigerians experience some form of mental health issue, with 15% facing it at some point in their lives. He stressed that mental health challenges can be overcome, allowing individuals to lead productive and fulfilling lives. However, he pointed out that stigma continues to hinder progress in the fight against mental illness.
The establishment of Minds Medica represents a significant step forward in addressing mental health and drug addiction in Ondo State. With its focus on accessibility, affordability, and quality care, the hospital offers hope to those in need and serves as a model for future initiatives in the region.
