Workers in Anambra State joined the global community in marking the 2024 World Mental Health Day with a focus on workplace mental health. The event, held at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat Complex in Awka, offered free mental health screenings to civil servants, organized by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Lady Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, Head of Service for Anambra State, praised Governor Soludo for prioritizing the mental well-being of the state’s workforce. She noted that mental health significantly impacts the effectiveness of service delivery, and this initiative provides a rare opportunity for workers to assess their mental health.
“Maintaining good mental health is crucial, especially in a high-demand work environment. This program gives us a chance to address mental health, which is often neglected in Nigeria,” Igwegbe said in an interview. She emphasized the importance of the event’s theme, “Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” and its potential to improve workplace productivity.
Igwegbe encouraged workers to take advantage of the free screenings, stating, “Depression, anxiety, and stress are common signs of mental health conditions, and early detection is key.” She also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, for his commitment to improving the mental health of Anambra’s workforce.
In their remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Ikegwuani, Acting Director of the Ministry of Information, and Mrs. Rose Nwankwo from the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, expressed their gratitude to the governor and health commissioner. They highlighted how seamless the screening process was, noting that the initiative was an eye-opener and a valuable tool for workers to prioritize their mental health.
Both practitioners emphasized the need for routine mental health checkups, acknowledging the importance of addressing mental health issues early to maintain a healthy and productive workforce.
