Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture has called for a proactive measure as well as increase in the awareness on mental health among its staff members.
At a two-day Management Retreat held at the Orchid Hotels in Lekki area of the state, the Ministry believes a state of mental wellness will allow for enhanced productivity that will further develop self and the economy of the state.
Presenting a paper to the gathering on ‘Wellness and Mental Health’, Dr. Adebowale Oyebade said that issue of mental health is a global challenge that must be addressed by proper health policies and practices.
Oyebade explained that worsening economic crisis, rising unemployment, kidnapping, drug abuse, loss of core values among others are some ot the factors militating against the increase in mental disorders, stressing that improvement in the socio-economic landscape would help ameliorate the situation.
He said one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives as about 450 million people are currently suffering from mental disorders.
Oyebade who canvassed for a well funded mental health programs and quality legislation on mental health laws where attempted suicide is criminalised, urged the gathering to imbibe the promotion of healthy habits and lifestyle, involve in physical exercise and promote family harmony and support.
Financial Literacy
In her presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of Smart Stewards, Mrs Sola Adesakin who took the gathering through the intricacies of financial literacy, acknowledged the current economic challenges facing the country and emphasised that there are way out for those who are prudent with their finances.
Adesakin said money making idea transcend educational qualifications while re-echoing financial management skills that can propel individuals to their points of wealth.
The economic expert however advised people to cultivate the habit of savings while suggesting venturing into joint businesses in Agriculture, Treasury Bills, Monthly Contributions, Real estate among others to thrive in the current economy.
Retirement plan
Dr. Akinloye Busari also informed the gathering to be proactive in their planning and not to wait till the last minute before activating their retirement plans.
Busari who retired as a Director in the Fisheries Department in the Ministry of Agriculture urged them to scale up their academic pursuits and look at other opportunities around to upgrade themselves while making connections with experts on the field that can guide their paths.
Team bonding
Earlier at the opening ceremony, Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya said for the Ministry to succeed in implementing her policies, the staff must be in good health condition and this will invariably tie to productivity that could either progress or record shortfall.
Olusanya mentioned that there are numerous initiatives and programmes by the Ministry to prepare individuals to be financially independent as they look into the future, stressing that “no one in the Ministry should be poor or retire with nothing to fall back on due to enormous opportunity abound.”
She maintained that the retreat provides an opportunity for team bonding by the Staff of the Lagos Ministry of Agriculture and to unwind and periscope on how to fast track delivery of laudable Agriculture programmes to the residents of Lagos.
Wake up call
Commenting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola urged staff members to see the retreat as a wake up call to be up and doing in service delivery to the people of the state
The Permanent Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Audu also reassured the commissioner of full support by staff of the Ministry to the success of her policies and programmes in the coming years.
