ADDRESSING NIGERIA’S MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS: A CALL TO ACTION FOR GOVERNMENT AND CITIZENS IN NIGERIA, AFRICA, AND BEYOND

Hello readers of Victor Cosmas Blog from Nigeria, Africa, the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and across the globe!

If you’re new here, welcome! Victor Cosmas Blog is dedicated to envisioning a thriving Nigeria—a nation led by brilliant minds and filled with compassionate, considerate citizens who make it a beacon of hope for Africa and the world. Today, I’m addressing a pressing issue that affects not just Nigeria but resonates globally: the mental health crisis plaguing our streets.

It’s heartbreaking to walk through cities in Nigeria—whether in Akwa Ibom State, my home, or Ogun State and Lagos State—and see mentally ill Nigerians abandoned to survive harsh nights and blistering days. These individuals, often eating from trash cans and enduring unimaginable hardship, are a stark reminder of a system that has failed them. Even in Eastern Nigeria, where I’ve traveled, the sight of mentally unwell citizens wandering aimlessly is all too common. This isn’t just a Nigerian problem—it’s a human problem that demands attention in Africa and beyond.

The State of Mental Health in Nigeria: A Growing Crisis

Mental illness in Nigeria is more widespread than many realize. Research shows that one in four Nigerians battles some form of mental health challenge, yet only 10% of those affected have access to psychiatric care. With fewer than 150 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million, the gap is glaring. In Akwa Ibom, Lagos, and Ogun, the mentally ill roam streets, stripped of dignity, battling conditions like schizophrenia—sometimes worsened by spiritual beliefs or substance abuse. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a call for empathy and action.

Illustration highlighting Nigeria's mental health crisis and the need for awareness

Nigeria’s Mental Health Policy of 1991 was a step forward, but decades later, it’s outdated and underfunded. Only 4% of the healthcare budget is allocated to mental health—a fraction compared to the over 20% spent on political elites. This imbalance is unsustainable. Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states and President Tinubu, it’s time to revisit this policy, increase funding, and prioritize mental healthcare infrastructure.

Why Mental Health Matters for Nigeria and Africa

A nation’s strength lies in how it treats its most vulnerable. The mentally ill deserve more than survival—they deserve love, care, and basic human rights: a warm blanket, a proper shower, regular haircuts, and access to psychotropic medications. Yet, Nigeria faces critical shortages: too few physicians to staff primary healthcare centers, restricted access to essential drugs, and limited support from NGOs. Housing and support groups for the mentally ill are nearly nonexistent. This isn’t just a local issue—it’s a challenge Africa and the global community must confront.

Imagine a Nigeria where streets are safe, not just for the public but for the mentally ill too. A Nigeria where no one eats from trash cans or sleeps in the cold. I dream of this transformation happening by March 2025—an ambitious goal, but one worth pursuing.

A Global Call to Action: How You Can Help

This isn’t just a message for President Tinubu or Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—it’s for every Nigerian, African, and global citizen reading this in the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia. We can’t keep demonizing the mentally ill or ignoring their plight. Here’s how we can act:

Government Intervention: Increase mental health funding beyond 4%. Build psychiatric facilities and train more professionals to bridge the gap.

Private Support: NGOs and individuals can provide shelters, food, and medication. Every small sacrifice counts.

Public Awareness: Share this message. Educate others about mental health in Nigeria and Africa.

While we enjoy the comfort of our homes, hotels, or presidential lodges, let’s remember those shivering outside. While we dine in abundance, let’s think of those scavenging for scraps. Equality in Nigeria—and across Africa—means caring for both the sane and the insane.

Join the Movement for Change

Wherever you are—Nigeria, Africa, the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia—you can be part of this change. Contact me via the comment section below, and I’ll guide you on how to contribute—whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy. Together, we can rid our streets of suffering and build a safer, more compassionate Nigeria.

Let’s prove our love for our nation and continent. God bless Nigeria, God bless Africa, and God bless the world.

HOW PETER OBI CROSSED POLITICAL BOUNDARIES TO INSPIRE A NEW NIGERIA

Peter Obi speaking at a Labour Party rally
in Nigeria, symbolizing hope and change

Peter Obi: The Man Who Dared to Redefine Nigerian Politics

In the heart of Nigeria's political turbulence, one name continues to resonate deeply with millions—Peter Obi. A man who emerged not from a privileged oligarchy, but from the very soul of everyday Nigerians, shaking the foundation of an entrenched system that has long resisted accountability and progress.

To dismiss his efforts is to display a clear lack of awareness about Nigeria’s historical and political landscape. Peter Obi has not only crossed the red lines drawn by the political elite—he has redefined what those lines mean for the average Nigerian citizen.

A Symbol of Disruption and Hope

Coming from Anambra State, often overlooked in mainstream political narratives, Obi proved that leadership is not about opulence but service, integrity, and vision. He rose as a force of change, challenging the long-standing power brokers with a message rooted in prudence, transparency, and accountability.

Peter Obi dared to contest under the relatively obscure Labour Party, transforming it into a nationwide political movement fueled by grassroots support and the passion of Nigeria’s youth. Against all odds, he became a household name—beloved, respected, and feared by the establishment.

Crossing the Red Line of the Status Quo

How did Peter Obi cross the so-called red line?

By refusing to fund political campaigns with illicit funds or reckless spending.

By challenging the norm where political leaders travel abroad for medical care, instead urging investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

By suggesting that Nigerian presidents should experience the poor road conditions like everyday citizens, emphasizing empathy in leadership.

By maintaining a clean business and governance record, a rare feat in Nigerian politics.

By connecting directly with the forgotten and impoverished, especially in northern Nigeria and rural communities.

Each of these actions is a direct contradiction to the playbook of conventional politics in Nigeria. They are lines that most politicians dare not cross, yet Obi has not only crossed them—he’s redrawn them.

A Threat to the Political Establishment

Peter Obi’s politics are simple but revolutionary: 

"Return Nigeria to its people". 

This vision places him in direct opposition to those who have privatized national resources for personal gain. His message of accountability and good governance continues to echo across the country, refusing to be silenced.

He is a man who could sit silently, and yet his presence alone sparks discomfort among the corrupt. A man whose silence speaks volumes, whose frugality speaks of responsibility, and whose love for country inspires a new generation.

The Red Line Is a Pathway Forward

Peter Obi has crossed the red line not with rebellion, but with responsibility. He has done it not for power’s sake, but to reignite the hope of millions who believe that Nigeria can rise again.

If given the red flag while crossing, it’s likely Peter Obi would plant it firmly in a new Nigeria—one built on equity, vision, and collective progress.

Conclusion. 

Peter Obi has undoubtedly crossed political boundaries—but he has done so to offer Nigeria a better future. His movement is not just political; it’s a moral revolution, and Nigerians are waking up to that reality.

God bless Peter Obi. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA TEMPLATE: 2025 POCKET NOTE

About 2024.

Frankly, the year was a mix.

A mix blend of the good, the bad and the ugly.

The economy on the Nigerian side was a deep red.

It was a tough year for businesses and families.

The real rich felt the brunt.

I lost my loving grandma.

There is no telling, it was a tough year.

On the other hand,

People built lovely homes.

People experienced big breaks career wise.

Donald Trump became president of the United States again.

People built families.

People created genuine moments. 

On. And on. And on.

Privately or publicly, we count our achievements from time to time.

Tangible, physical and visible achievements.

You got to be able to look back in your year and be like I got A, B and/or C.

Assessment is important.

Unbiased and unlimited Assessment.

But this however is extremely difficult. 

Because of the social media template.

Redefining achievements by likes, shares and comments. 

It makes daring attempts at resetting standards.

Providing features to alter original.

Modelling impossibilities.

Promoting unrealistics .

Trending speculations.

Badly elevating thresholds.

Eclipsing reality.

On Facebook.

On TikTok

On X.

On Thread.

On Instagram.

Everywhere.

It is informing our decisions.

It's forming new beliefs and norms.

It drives innovations. 

Then also anxiety, depression. 

Slow down.

Play down this social media template

And feel the breeze.

Fresh and green and clean. 

One step at a time.

One.

Know thyself.

Wake up each day becoming it.

There is gold in the secret place.

Prioritise time.

It's what Dangote got.

Prioritise relationships. 

Prioritise your dreams.

Prioritise your career.

Prioritise your family.

Prioritise your hustle.

Prioritise your talent.

Prioritise God.

Prioritise country.

Zero competition. 

You versus you.

Not your friends.

Not your mates.

Not everyone else.

We are unique entities.

With unique routes, howbeit similar.

With unique stories, however related. 

Stay focus.

Identify your distractions.

Maintain discipine.

Keep your phone down.

Stay concious so much you identify opportunities the minute they show up.

Pursue clarity of purpose.

Clarity, so much it brings you to your knees.

The lovely children God brought under my weak hands are emerging Doctors, US Army, brilliant scholars, brand owners, freedom fighters, NGO owners, international University students.

I talk to them and they are living their dreams.

What sweet joy.

What beautiful year it was.

Then again Victor Cosmas Blog is 12 beautiful years in 2024 and we'd be 13 years this 2025.

With readership in over 18 countries.

And over 9,000 readers. 

An auditorium of this size is fairly large.

God be praised.

Thank you everyone.

2025, we want to be in every corner of the earth bringing messages of hope, peace, resilience and progress in Africa and across  the world translated in all languages. 

We are available for speaking engagements skewed towards individual and public good or development

Use the email below to write us:

victorcosmas2003@gmail.com 

We would be more than happy to hear from you.

Please include where you are writing from.

Again, if you have 8-15 year olds you want us to mentor or tutor.

We have zoom services for every child in every English speaking country worldwide.

The child only needs to have a zoom compliant device; a laptop, an apple or Android devices.

Email: victorcosmas2003@gmail.com 

Thanks a lot!

Back to the matter.

Pardon my brief commercial 🤣

But

Did you touch a life in 2024.

In any little way.

Howbeit small.

Did you impact someone positively.

Did someone's life improve by your association with them.

Did you give your best in a paid or vounteer role.

Did you make someone feel better about themselves.

Did you live in a way that makes people think good of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Did you prioritise family time.

If you did one, or two, or three, or all, or even none, its okay.

It's fine.

But make it better in 2025. 

Extend love 

Spread it.

Across tribes,

Across races

Across religions.

Across boundaries.

2025 is going to be an outcome of the ways we go and the things we do, starting today.

Lets kindly make the right choices.

This year we go again.

We go again for a better life.

We go again for better solutions.

We go again for better innovations.

We go again for a greater Nigeria. 

There are going to be challenges. 

But we must keep going, regardless. 

And in 2025 we gon geddit!

Believe that.

Deep from my heart, I want to wish my cute dear brother Dedion, as we call him, a very happy birthday. 

I like the world to know I love you very deeply and your place in my heart is very huge.

May Blessing as your name is, be your natural characteristic. 

Then again, Happy Birthday my good friend AY of Canada. God bless your path bruh.

Happy Birthday also, Mrs Nkem Chukwu, God bless your family.

Happy 2025 World 🎇 

Lesgo ✊🏾

OPEN LETTER TO MR PRESIDENT FROM A UNIABUJA STUDENT: WE DON’T WANT UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA TO BE CALLED YAKUBU GOWON UNIVERSITY TOO

      L-R: President Tinubu and Fmr. Pres. Jonathan 

Warm greetings Mr President,

Your Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I believe you are already settling in on the activities of the presidency. 

I also believe you have learnt two things;

One, the reality of the presidency outweighs that of the governorship.

Two, adaptation and atimes a change in philosophy is normal and necessary.

It's a democratic constant.

But you are certainly not a man, who can’t deliver excellence to his people, regardless of tribe, religion or affiliations, if he wants to.

I believe that regardless of sentiment, you have the courage to genuinely initiate good leadership and equity.

You did that as governor of Lagos State.

To that respect I wish you and your whole cabinet all the best.

Mr President, I write to humbly reject the call for the Prestigious University of Abuja to be renamed after our great hero, General Yakubu Gowon.

I am fully aware of the achievements of the 90 year old war veteran and his effort in keeping the Nigerian state.

He is very due and very qualified.

However Mr President, Abuja is Nigeria’s capital city.

Our heritage. 

It is the center of our unity and the seat of power.

Abuja, is the pride of our nation.

It host well curated geology with a breath-taking green environment.

Abuja is home to arts, culture and entertainment.

Abuja itself, is an honour on the University that was founded in 1988 and perfectly themed, “The University for National Unity” 

First, I appreciate the procedure taken towards this renaming.

Window period is provided to follow due process as His Excellency Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan did in 2012.

Recall in a very romantic move on May 29, 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan had attempted to rename the prestigious University of Lagos to honour the memory of Nigeria’s foremost businessman, Democrat and the winner of the 1993 general election, Alhaji Moshood Abiola.

May 29 was Nigeria’s Democracy Day before it was moved to June 12 to honour the achievements of the same Alhaji Moshood Abiola, suggesting the man deserved even to name the entire country after.

Chief Moshood Abiola, even without holding the office of the presidency impacted people positively in both the local and international scene.

He won the hearts of the majority of the Nigerian people as reflected by his landslide election victory in 1993.

He was denied his mandate, imprisoned and strangely died in detention.

He was an entrepreneur and a philanthropist of repute, and Mr President, he was even your mentor.

Yet while most people found such decision intelligent, timely and deserving, Lagos roared in an angry protest.

Students and Alumni of the University of Lagos felt it’d reduce the ego the name UNILAG adds to their reputation.

I mean think about “I’m in UNILAG” and “I’m in MAULAG”

It was literally the swag.

I was not yet admitted into any university at the time, but I was resident in Lagos.

Yes, I am a full Lagos bred.

I'd only moved to Abuja in 2019 after my first degree in Calabar.

My childhood was in Adeniyi Jones in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital.

Later on, after my secondary school, we moved to Iju Ishaga, the same neighborhood as Terry G, the legendary street hop musician.

For what UNILAG was, the name, her product, it is an indelible brand.

I remember in a prophetic move in 2012, I'd taken the soil of the institution to pray on, to be admitted into UNILAG.

I had applied for Computer and Electronics Engineering.

I was given Biology Education instead.

I turned down the offer and headed for Geology in the University of Calabar in 2013.

I laugh about this memory today, but in that time, it was absolutely not funny.

I didn’t even know the institution's ranking in the circle of universities in Nigeria or in Africa or their capacity in my chosen course. 

Only the name, UNILAG.

Our friends who attended or graduated from the institution were accorded a different shade of respect.

It was just great for all the reasons I didn't exactly know.

Many said the renaming of UNILAG as MAULAG came as a surprise just as the renaming of UNIABUJA as Yakubu Gowon University came to us as a surprise as well. 

Dr Karo Ogbunaka, UNILAG ASUU Chairman of the time, in his reaction claimed the students protest was both for students and lecturers of the institution. 

He alleged that President Jonathan was playing cheap politics attempting to use the Yoruba people. 

He boasted UNILAG was too big for that, and even added that they will resist it and fight for it with their blood.

The UNILAG ASUU Chairman brilliantly adviced Jonathan to name one of the nine new institutions newly created at the time after the hero Alhaji Moshood Abiola.

Prof. Tony Afejuku, a poet and scholar in the University of Benin called it, "a thoughtless action taken at a wrong time".

A protesting student questioned why the US government has not renamed Harvard University after any of its founding fathers. 

Jonathan, as a true democrat on 22 February, 2013 rescinded his decision and returned the University back to its original name, the University of Lagos and the people were happy.

Mr President, I write in the capacity of a student of UNIABUJA, currently studying for a Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics.

I first saw the news on our dedicated students WhatsApp group.

I didn't want to base my believe on speculations, so I went further to confirm it on a credible national newspaper, there I found it was true.

My President, whatever UNILAG is, UNIABUJA is.

For all the reasons UNILAG could not be named Moshood Abiola University, Lagos, MAULAG, UNIABUJA also should not be named Yakubu Gowon University.

UNIABUJA just like UNILAG accord us the student and our very notable alumni in all walks of life, locally and in diaspora, a sense of pride.

Mr President, Her Excellency, the beautiful First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the then senator of Lagos was neutral, only advising President Jonathan to follow the will of the people.

We want to also ask that you also listen to our voices, we the student and Alumni of this institution.

We reject this name change and boldly say that this is not our will. 

Nigeria continue to rank high in global illiteracy index, and adding more institutions can be a prudent investment.

While these new universities will bear the names of our heroes from inception, they'd also reduce the illiteracy level of the nation.

For their contributions to our nation, these new institutions can provide scholarships and easy entry procedures to children of the poor and less privilege, who cannot easily afford the luxury of a University education. 

This will amount to a win-win for the nation.

Dear students, lecturers, and Alumni of the great University of Abuja, we have a heritage to protect and defend as well, just like UNILAG.

We must collectively rise up and Say No.

Not in a violent fight with our blood, but as the civil, bright and learned minds that we are.

Lagos is not greater than Abuja.

As a matter of fact, the Abuja's institution deserves her original name more than anywhere else.

Of the greatest Nigerian students!

This is another Aluta challenge. 

God bless you Mr President.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

God bless the University of Abuja.

A luta continua; Vitória é certa! ✊🏾

AGATHOKAKOLOGICAL SOCIAL MEDIA

    Source: Forbes

Happy 2024 to our readers across the world.

More than ever, there is a serious need to unbiasedly review the use of our social media space and the Nigerian online community in the wake of new realities.

Not politically but responsibly.

This is first a call on the Nigerian populace, which according to Statista, a global data and business platform, boast a whooping 108 million internet users in 2022 and expected to grow by 60 percent in 2027.

This is a humble appeal to Nigerians who wants actual growth and development genuinely to adjust to the right angle of things.

Social media can be a huge gain and it could be a collosal loss as well.

It is purely in its usage.

While millions of Nigerian youths have gone to amass unprecedented wealth from the internet legitimately, millions have also landed in jail, if not in the grave for their crave to impress the internet's social space.

People, especially the youth have picked role models among criminals who have convinced the vulnerable that there is a world where people live in affluence with no proof of their lifestyles sources.

A dangerous yet glamorous portrayal of falsehood!

This is damaging our historic culture of hard work while promoting criminality, accounting for some of the lurid crimes we have heard since 1996.

The desire to amass social media likes and comments have override human sympathy, empathy and sanity.

Yesterday 18 January 2024, Punch Nigeria Newspaper carried the news of the death of a skit maker identified as Churchill who died in the process of creating a dangerous skit content.

Sadly, he may have gotten the views, comments and likes he anticipated but not his life.

May his soul rest in peace.

Churchill is just one of thousands of brilliant young Nigerians who have lost their lives, properties and freedoms to make an impression on the hundreds of millions of Nigerian internet users.

It is even much worrisome to see many unscrupulous people on social media claiming Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok are the ones funding their luxurious lives in return for likes.

Big lie!

Prostitution, unhealthy networking, criminal syndicates have now found a safe haven on the internet's social media.

Young people see the cars, the stacks of US dollars thrown in the air, vacations and they want them all to also show their friends who are reading their books and working hard in their jobs, that hard work is not enough.

But then, is social media?

Rudeboy of P-Square sarcastically hinted in his hit song "Audio Money", poor man no dey for Instagram (Nigerian pidgin for, there are no poor people on Instagram).

The make believe perfect life that has become famous as fake life is the new normal among young people with some going the extra mile to maintain the life, and as we know, fake life is very expensive.

People who can't afford a meal now appear like Hollywood celebrities on social media with borrowed clothes, cars and gadgets and sometimes, stolen just to be perceived as rich.

These days it is not impossible to castigate your blessed marriage and home or even end your relationship, just by seeing a beautiful photo post of a seemingly perfect relationship on social media, mostly captioned "couples goal" 😂 when in real life they do not even cross the same path.

They call it, doing it for the Gram 😅 and this usually get unsuspecting young people screaming "God when" 😂

Unlike in the immediate past where family privacy was fashionable and respected, nowadays even the least family issues are brought on WhatsApp statuses and other social media platforms, making total strangers judges in matters they have no business being a part of.

When we were children and family matters involving husband and wife gets to the police, the police would say, "Na family matter, make una go settle am for house" (Nigerian pidgin for, it's family matter and it should be settled at home).

Not these days.

Humanity has totally lost her dignity.

What is termed content on our social media space today is absolute contempt.

Nudity, anti-sociality, insanity, inhumanity, indecency, criminality, cruelty and depravity.

This is not a call to quash the social media, I am on nearly all social media myself and this article will be going to the ends of the world via social media, I am appealing to Nigerians, Africa and the rest of the world to understand that what we post on the internet makes an impression; some very positive impressions, some very damning impressions.

Today young people have selected role models among kidnappers, robbers, ritual killers, serial killers, pedophiles, drug lords and other hardened criminals whose unrestricted activities on social media have earned them millions of followers worldwide and a celebrity status.

These leaves us with a huge responsibility; parents, wards, the society and the government.

We must do something about this or risk losing our entire society by a single click. 

Oh yes, a trigger is to a riffle what a click can be on the Internet if we don't watch it.

It is important to note that a careless statement or post on social media can tear down both our national and global security.

In conclusion both citizens and government have a responsibility to regulate our social media activities to ensure that the contents that reach our children, our youths and our entire citizens are not inciteful, dangerous, misleading and destructive but rather that they are true, suitable, inspiring and positively impactful.

God bless Nigeria and the rest of the world.