By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria has joined the global community in marking World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare urging citizens to protect lives, show empathy, and reduce stigma around mental illness.
In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, the Ministry reminded Nigerians that “your life matters, and hope is real,” calling on communities to check on friends, listen without judgment, and seek professional help when needed.
The annual observance, first established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), seeks to raise awareness of suicide as a preventable public health issue. This year’s theme, “Creating Hope Through Action,” underscores the importance of small but meaningful acts in saving lives.
IASP, founded in 1960 by psychiatrist Erwin Ringel and psychologist Norman Farberow, continues to coordinate global efforts with WHO and partners such as the World Federation for Mental Health. Experts stress that suicide can be prevented through stronger community support, professional care, and policies prioritising mental well-being.
Nigeria, the Ministry noted, is scaling up interventions through the National Mental Health Policy and the Mental Health Act signed in 2023, which strengthened rights, protections, and access to care for people living with mental health conditions. Efforts are also underway to expand awareness campaigns and crisis support services nationwide.
Officials emphasised that suicide prevention must be treated as a shared responsibility involving families, communities, faith leaders, workplaces, and government. They also warned that stigma remains a major challenge, with thousands of suicide cases in Nigeria going unreported each year.
By joining the global commemoration, Nigeria reinforced its message of solidarity with those struggling in silence. As the Ministry concluded, “Feelings change. Pain is temporary. Hope is real.”
