The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, Ash Montana Deck has called for increased attention to the rehabilitation and support of people living with mental health challenges particularly inmates in correctional facilities.
The Second Mate of Ash Montana Deck, Dr Hafiz Bello made the call during a lecture and presentation of medications to inmates to mark the 2026 World Mental Health Day.
The event held at the Old Abeokuta Correctional Centre, Ibara was organized by the Ash Montana Deck in collaboration with Ventosa Deck and the Nigeria Correctional Service.
Dr Bello who noted that mental health remained a neglected subject in public discussions, explained that the association decided to focus on rehabilitation in recognition of the fact that many people were already living with mental health conditions and required support, care and encouragement.
Dr Bello noted that inmates in correctional facilities were among the vulnerable groups who could experience mental health challenges, stressing the need to provide them with appropriate interventions.
He called for sustained public awareness and collective action to ensure that people experiencing mental health challenges received the necessary care and support to improve their well-being.
In a lecture entitled ” lived experiences Heard: real voices, real change”, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Dr Emmanuel Abayomi called for early psychological assessment and mental health support for inmates in correctional facilities to prevent mental health breakdown.
Dr Abayomi who urged the Nigerian Correctional Service to introduce psychological first aid for inmates upon admission, stressed the need to identify those at risk of mental health challenges and provide timely intervention before their conditions deteriorate.
The psychiatrist noted that mental health education, preventive measures and promotion of psychological well-being were essential to helping inmates cope with the challenges of custodial life.
Dr Abayomi also called for greater inclusion of people with lived experiences of mental health conditions in decisions concerning their care, noting that their voices and experiences should inform policies and interventions.
Some of the inmates confirmed that there was no way someone would be in there situation as inmates and would not need mental therapy.
They expressed appreciation to the organisers of the programme especially for the relief they got from a therapy conducted by the psychiatric expert.
In a remark, the Spokesperson of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Ogun state command, Mr Olayinka Odukoya called on individuals, corporate organisations and the state government to support efforts aimed at rehabilitating, reforming and reintegrating inmates into society.
He expressed appreciation to the National Association of Seadogs and other partners for their contributions to the World Mental Health Day programme.
In attendance at the event was a veteran journalist, Mr Yemi Akintunde who is also a leader in the association.
