“You Cannot Criminalise Despair and Ignore Its Root Causes” — Dr. Ogenna Walter Ekwubiri Calls For Mental Health Reform in Nigeria

Dr Ogenna Walter Ekwubiri, founder of the Motivating African Youths Initiative (MAY-I), has called for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria, urging the government to prioritise mental healthcare, rehabilitation and economic empowerment over punitive measures.
Ekwubiri made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in response to remarks attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio during deliberations on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026.
She described the criminalisation of attempted suicide as an issue of public health, human dignity and responsible governance, arguing that survivors needed care and support rather than condemnation or imprisonment.
“Suicide surv...