News

FG To Decriminalise Attempted Suicide -Health Minister

Published

7 hours ago

September 20, 2024

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, has stated that the Federal Government is working towards decriminalising attempted suicide in the country.
He disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day.
Marked globally on September 10 every year, the commemoration has “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” as the theme for 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that suicide is criminalised in the country, but there have been several calls from stakeholders to decriminalise it.
Captured under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, it states, “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year.”
Pate, therefore, said that the ministry had launched the National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030) to enhance mental health and assist in the prevention of suicide.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, the minister said, “The document clearly identifies the risk and protective factors associated with suicide in the country.
“It also identifies the strategic objectives, interventions, and indicators for suicide prevention, in line with international best practices.
“One of the key policy actions in this document is the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.
“Instead of punishment and ostracism, we must extend helping hands and support, rather than sensationalising reportage.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is working closely with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and partners to address the section of the law that criminalises attempted suicide.
“Nigeria will soon join the committee of nations that have decriminalised attempted suicide.”
The minister stated that available data on suicide in Nigeria is reported at 12.9 per 100,000, which is high.
He added that suicide rates are particularly high among young people aged 15 to 29 years, making it the fourth leading cause of death in this age group in Africa, accounting for 40 per cent of all suicide deaths.
However, he noted that the statistics may not fully reflect the true prevalence of suicide in Africa, as the reporting and stigma surrounding mental health issues remain significant barriers to accurate reporting.
Pate also mentioned a strong link between suicide and mental health conditions, indicating that depression and alcohol use disorders are established factors.
According to him, many suicides occur impulsively in moments of crisis, with a breakdown in the ability to cope with life’s stresses, such as financial problems, relationship issues, breakups, chronic pain, and illness, among many others.
He added that the theme of the 2024 Global Observance Day focuses on raising awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicide.
The minister stated, “Changing the narrative means shifting our focus from the tragedy of suicide to prevention.
“It means moving away from taboos, stigma, and discrimination, towards empathy and positive cultural change.
“As we stand united, we acknowledge the pain and suffering of those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and we affirm our commitment to creating a society that supports and cares for those struggling with mental health issues.
“Suicide prevention is our collective responsibility, and we must all be committed to building a society that values mental health, promotes well-being, and provides care for everyone.”
The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Walter Mulombo, stated that for every suicide, there are likely to be 20 other people attempting suicide, and many more who have serious thoughts of suicide.
Represented by Mary Bantuo, Mulombo said that changing the narrative of suicide is about transforming how this complex issue is perceived, shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
He said, “This call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention.
“Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to understanding society. By initiating vital conversations, we can break barriers, raise awareness, and create better content and support.”
He also stressed the need to prioritise suicide prevention and mental health in policymaking.
Mulombo called for government action, adding that changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritise mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.

News

Nigeria’s Rail Transport Generated N1.69bn In Q2 -NBS report

Published

4 hours ago

September 20, 2024

The Tide

The Nigerian rail system generated N1.69billionn in revenue from passengers in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting a 53.14 per cent increase compared to the N1.10billion recorded in the same period of 2023.
This data was disclosed by the National Bureau of Statistics in its report released yesterday.
According to the report, a total of 689,263 passengers travelled by rail in Q2, representing a growth rate of 45.38 per cent compared to 474,117 passengers in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
The volume of goods transported via rail also saw a significant increase, with 143,759 tons moved in Q2 2024, up from 56,936 tons in Q2 2023. Additionally, the Nigerian Railway Corporation reported a volume of 5,940 tons of goods transported through pipelines in Q2 2024, an increase from the 2,856 tons recorded in the same period of the previous year.
Revenue from goods conveyed via rail stood at N537.36m in Q2 2024, a remarkable increase of 206.68 per cent compared to N175.22m in Q2 2023. The movement of goods through pipelines also contributed to revenue generation, with N42.08m collected in Q2 2024, compared to N12.81million in Q2 2023.
Other revenue receipts amounted to N994.68million in Q2 2024, representing a staggering increase of 5,206.68 per cent from the N18.74m recorded in the corresponding period of last year.
In the first quarter, of 2024, The Tide source reported that Nigeria spent more on servicing the debt incurred for building its railways than the revenue generated by its railway system. The country spent 2,470 per cent more on railway debt servicing than it made from revenue from rail services in the first quarter of 2024.

News

NDDC Unveils Initiative To Enhance Food Security In N’Delta

Published

4 hours ago

September 20, 2024

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is committed to advancing projects and programmes that enhance food security and sustainable growth in the region.
Chief Monday Igbuya, the Delta State representative on the NDDC Board, made this pledge in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, yesterday by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Igbuya spoke at the inauguration of a training and empowerment programme for women and youths in livestock and agro processing in Amukpe, Sapele area of Delta.
He stated that the NDDC was prioritising livestock training in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“NDDC is focussed on implementing programmes to ensure food security and agricultural growth in multi sectors, aiming to improve living standards.
“It is our belief that for socio-economic development to take place, there is need to develop manpower in the agricultural sector,” he said.
Igbuya expressed confidence that training farmers would enhance livestock production, create jobs, and alleviate poverty in the Niger Delta.
Mrs Winifred Madume, NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, said that training farmers and entrepreneurs was essential for improving productivity and market access.
“The commission has been promoting research and development through various institutions and providing farming techniques to beneficiaries,” she said.
The Project Consultant, Dr Simon Akhaine, said that 200 women and youths had registered for the livestock and agro-business skill acquisition programme.
According to him, the programme aims to equip them with the essential knowledge and skills for self-sufficiency in livestock farming, thereby boosting regional food security.

News

Tinubu Shelves UNGA79 Trip To Address National Challenges

Published

4 hours ago

September 20, 2024

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.
In his stead, Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual summit.
Tinubu “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding,” a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed yesterday.
The statement is titled ‘Vice President Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly.’
It reads, “President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.
“Therefore, the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.”
Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trips to China and the United Kingdom, “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding,” said Onanuga.
At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.
The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.