…commemorate day with special radio talk show
The Katamaran Deck of the National Association of Seadogs, popularly called Pyrates Confraternity, has vowed to sustain its awareness campaign on the plight of the victims of mental health challenges.
The Katamaran Deck, comprising Ijebu-Ode and Remo areas of Ogun State, expressed its commitment to sustaining efforts to promote mental health awareness and advocacy in the society.
The Cap’n of Katamaran Deck, Comrade Jamal Apena, stated this when NAS members on the deck joined the global community to commemorate the World Mental Health Day 2025 with a special Radio Talk Show Programme focused on this years theme: “Access to services mental health in catastrophes and emergencies.” The commemoration of the day was done in partnership with Young Elites Society of Ijebuland, (YES) a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), with the mission to contribute positively to the socio-economic welfare of its immediate communities and promote quality education among the people.
Emphasising the core essence of marking the special day, Comrade Apena noted that “World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that mental well-being is an essential part of our overall health and a fundamental human right.”
The Katamaran Deck Cap’n, who gave the assurance that his members won’t relent in the awareness campaign on mental health issues, added,
“As we mark the day, we re-affirm our commitment to continue with the awareness campaign on the subject matter”.
The radio programme, which was broadcast live on Lion 93.9 FM, featured health experts, mental health advocates and representatives of the National Association of Seadogs from the Katamaran Deck, who engaged the public on issues surrounding mental health, stigmatisation, early intervention and access to care.
A Neuro-pharmacologist and member of YES, who was also a guest on the radio show, Mr Niyi Adesoye, in his contribution,
emphasised the urgent need to demystify mental illness in the Nigerian society.
According to him, “The issue of mental health has not been taken seriously in Nigeria. How many Federal Neuropsychiatric hospitals do we have? About five. The government needs to make mental health care accessible at the Primary Health Centres (PHC). Sadly, many still suffer in silence due to stigma and misinformation”.
Adesoye also highlighted the rising cases of mental health challenges among young people, citing unemployment, substance abuse, depression and social pressures as key contributors.
He noted that community-based awareness embarked upon by the Pyrates Confraternity, “plays a vital role in breaking these barriers.”
Another health expert and member of the National Association of Seadogs, Dr Aina Ayodeji, who phoned in from Abuja, remarked, “We need more proactive support systems, and initiatives like this radio programme are steps in the right direction.”
Also speaking during the radio programme, the Second Mate of the National Association of Seadogs, Katamaran Deck, Dr. Adeyemi Olusola, reiterated the association’s commitment to social advocacy, especially in the area of mental well-being.
“As an organisation deeply rooted in promoting human rights and social justice, we understand that mental health is central to human dignity. Through this platform, we aim to amplify expert voices and encourage open conversations within our communities,” he said.
The life interactive session on radio fostered an atmosphere of empathy, education and practical guidance on where to seek help.
President of Young Elites Society of Ijebuland, Mr Dayo Adekoya, while commending the efforts of NAS, said his organisation had to partner with the National Association of Seadogs on the awareness drive because the initiative was “in line with core essence of our existence as a society in terms of health and public welfare.”
