Dr. Victor Makanjuola, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ibadan (UI) and Consultant Psychiatrist at University College Hospital (UCH), has proclaimed that it is unlawful to detain those who suffer from mental disease.
At a virtual lecture hosted by the National Association of Sea Dogs, Jolly Rogers Deck, Makanjuola made this statement.
Mr. Ade Adeniji, Capoon of Jolly Rogers Deck, Mr. Olufemi Adesope, and Mr. Okekearu Fabian, acting Secondmate of the organization, among others, attended the function, which was a part of the celebrations for this year’s World Mental Health Day.
There are rumors that the UN has designated October 10 as World Mental Health Day each year.
Speaking at an event with the topic “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,” Makanjuola lamented that many individuals, particularly those living in low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria, lack access to quality mental healthcare.
He said that Nigeria’s Mental Health Act, 2023, which previous President Muhammadu Buhari signed, is now in force.
A few infractions of the Act, he said, were the detention and shackling of persons with mental illnesses.
The doctor claimed that it was unlawful to imprison persons with mental disabilities in accordance with the Act’s requirements.
Makanjuola pointed out that traditional healers need to be taught on the risks associated with such methods in order to support the rights of those who struggle with mental health issues.
He said that it’s critical for Nigerians to see the connection between mental health and human rights and the impossibility of having mentally healthy members in a society that abuses such rights.
“The Mental Health Act 2023, which President Muhammadu Buhari signed in the waning days of the previous administration, is currently in force in Nigeria and represents a considerable improvement in the protection of the before listed fundamental rights.
“This Act has a few infractions, including shackling and unlawful incarceration.
Traditional healers should be supported in order to advance the rights of persons with mental health issues, and those who engage in harmful practices should be engaged by being informed about the risks involved.
Human rights and mental health go hand in hand, he added, adding that a society that breaches human rights is incompatible with having psychologically healthy citizens.