An NGO, Initiative for Social Impact and Sustainable Development (ISISD), says priority must be given to men’s mental health to have a safe and inclusive society.
Its Co-ordinator, Funmi Falobi, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos in celebration of International Men’s Day.
The International Men’s Day is observed annually on Nov. 19, and this year’s celebration has the theme, “Celebrating Men and Boys.”
The day promotes positive male role models, focuses on men’s mental and physical health, and highlights discrimination.
Its observance seeks to foster a more inclusive and empathetic society for all men and boys.
Falobi explained that there is a need for global awareness on men’s mental health and for the male folks to seek help when in need.
“There is a need for a cultural shift that does not make men speak out when going through distress and difficult situations. This has led men to resort to suicidal thoughts, substance abuse and low self-esteem.
“Nigerian governments and the National Assembly need to make laws that will look into substance abuse in the country and the need to create awareness on mental health for men and boys.
“When we have mentally stable men and boys, men who are role models to mould the boys, we will have a safer and better society for all,” she said.
She said the myriad of challenges men and boys face in society necessitate the need for more support to enable them to achieve their potential and contribute meaningfully to the progress of society.
“The contributions of men to the socio-economic and political development of the society cannot be overlooked.
“Today, we celebrate men’s resilience, achievements and contributions to society, community, family and nation-building,” she said.
