2025 World Health Day: Seadogs Tackle Mental Health Challenges Among Nigerians

By Chuks Eke

The National Association of Seadogs, NAS (Pyrates Confraternity), Honduras Deck, and Blizzard Deck, in collaboration with Nedal Psychological Clinic in Awka, Anambra state, have reaffirmed their commitment to taking proactive steps to address the prevalent mental health challenges confronting Nigerians today.

Dr. Vincent Onwughalu, captain of Seadog Honduras Deck, revealed this in Awka, Anambra state, during the opening ceremony of a five-day medical mission they hosted to warn about the rise of mental health problems in Anambra.maintained that the NAS medical mission was part of the association’s special purpose vehicle for reaching out to those who do not have access to medical care.

Onwugualu also stated that the mental health fair was part of the association’s concerted effort to promote access to healthcare in commemoration of World Health Day 2025 in our own immediate environment.

According to the Capoon, “the saying that where a community needs help or assistance, the Pyrate will be the first to lay its hand is now in action,” as he claims that different decks of the association worldwide are also carrying out various activities and events related to the health and well-being of the masses, based on the peculiarities of their respective immediate environments for the benefit of the public.

“Given the level of hardship in the country and how this affects people’s mental states, it became necessary to create an avenue where professionals in the field of mental health can attend to members of the public who take advantage of the association’s Mental Health Fair.”

“In this case, in addition to consultations with professionals for screening, assessment, diagnosis, and so on, at least ten people whose cases are deemed to be more serious would be referred for treatment.”

“Furthermore, those who attended the Fair and listened to us on the radio are aware that they can easily contact our event partner, Nedal Psychological Clinic in Awka, at any time, in person or virtually. Importantly, this is not a one-time event.

As long as the conditions that cause depression, anxiety, suicide, suicide ideation, and so on are common in our environment, we will continue to create similar events based on our research findings.”

Credible organisations that share our vision of a just and egalitarian society free of discrimination, marginalisation, colour, gender, and belief are welcome to partner with us. We are open to functional partnerships and effective collaborations.

He urged the public to take their health and well-being very seriously. “In order to reap the benefits of our efforts, we must be alive and healthy. In this part of the world, mental health has yet to receive the attention it deserves. I encouraged members of the press, particularly those who cover health, to join the advocacy for awareness.”

Earlier in his address, Prof. Nnaemeka C. Abamara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist/Mental Health Expert and MD/CEO, Nedal Psychological Clinic, Awka, explained that mental health is part of a larger health issue, but it is a problem because most Nigerians do not take care of their mental health, which can have an impact on human overall health.

Abamara defined mental health as a group response to behavioural changes. Good mental health allows a person to live a stress-free life. People should focus on their mental health.

The Unizik Don attributed some root causes of mental health problems among Nigerians to drug abuse, economic collapse, and high commodity prices, which lead to excruciating mental problems such as depression, stress, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder as a result of inability to pay school fees, feed children, and pay rent, among other things.

He advised the public to seek the services of a clinical psychologist/consultant for expert advice and prophylaxis, to relax their minds through activities such as exercise and sightseeing, and to do as little as possible while leaving the rest to nature.

While adding that people should reduce the amount of time they spend working from January to December without taking a vacation to rest.

Vincent Uwukhor, Second Mate, Blizzard Deck, stated that, despite increased awareness of health and wellness, many communities continue to lack access to reliable preventative care resources and lifestyle education. “Mental health issues are a public health concern that must be addressed.

Advocacy is required to bridge this gap by providing accessible wellness services and raising awareness of practical steps people can take to improve their health. This initiative is intended to bring these resources directly to the community in an understandable and engaging format.”

Uwukhor went on to say that “raising awareness around preventive health practices and accessible wellness resources, facilitating community interaction with health and wellness providers, promoting Blizzard Deck’s community health initiatives, providing free blood pressure screenings and personalised health advice, and encouraging sustainable mental behavioural lifestyle changes among community participants are some key plans put in place to ensure a progressive society.”

Emmanuel Udeh, Project Officer and Second Mate, Honduras Deck, stated that the initiative to host the event stemmed from the country’s unusual situation, in which people are under stress and facing economic hardship.

“You notice an increase in stress and depression, and we saw an increase in [attempted] suicides among students, as well as regular complaints from academics.

As a responsible organisation known for foresight, instead of waiting for the worst to happen, we decided to take proactive steps to address this issue rather than allowing individuals to deteriorate to the point of taking drugs, self-harm, or suicidal ideation.

We say, let them talk to professionals and share their concerns; that way, we can invest in their future and our collective survival.

“This programme began with a radio program on Unizik FM, where we raised awareness among the university community, which is the primary target. The event continued until today at Pearl Suite Awka, culminating with the ABS talk show. It is been impressive, and I commend those many courageous individuals who came up to share their thoughts, take advantage of the opportunity, and Nedal for offering their expertise.”

The medical mission, titled “Mental Health Fair: Guarding our Future and Protecting Youth’s Minds,” included a five-day psychological screening, consultations, and counselling services for the public at Pearl Suites, Ifite Road, Awka. It concluded with a radio talk show on Anambra Broadcasting Service Radio Awka.

It was also expected that the event would pave the way for future collaborations between Blizzard Deck, Honduras, and community-based organisations. Developed insights and contacts for future community health pop-ups and outreach events.