In a major collaborative effort to mark World Mental Health Day 2026, the Katamaran Deck of the National Association of Seadogs, popularly known as Pyrates Confraternity and the Young Elites Society of Ijebuland have called for an immediate end to the stigmatisation of individuals living with mental health conditions.
The two organisations partnered to host a special live broadcast on Super FM 96.3, Ijebu-Ode, on Saturday, 10 October 2026. The one-hour public enlightenment programme focused on promoting mental health awareness, challenging harmful societal stereotypes, and encouraging early intervention.
Speaking as the special guest on the programme, Mr Niyi Adesoye, a specialist in Neurobehavioural and Neuropharmacology, urged the public to replace discrimination with empathy.
He emphasised that individuals facing mental health challenges are often subjected to unfair rejection, name-calling and social exclusion.
“Changes in mood and prolonged sadness should never be ignored,” Adesoye stated during the broadcast. “When sadness persists, mood changes become frequent or a person loses interest in activities they once enjoyed, it is important to show understanding, offer support and encourage professional help.”
Adesoye, who is also a member of the Young Elites Society—a community-focused group of intellectuals and professionals in Ijebuland—stressed that mental health struggles are medical issues requiring care rather than condemnation.
He cautioned listeners against self-diagnosis, urging instead for early professional assessments.
The live radio programme hosted by Mr Kinyomi Olugbenga, popularly known as the ‘Family Professor’, was structured around three vital areas:
- Recognising Warning Signs: Identifying early indicators such as persistent anxiety, sudden behavioural shifts and social withdrawal.
- Eradicating Discrimination: Dismantling the false narratives that individuals with mental health conditions are inherently dangerous or weak.
- Promoting Personal Well-being: Adopting practical lifestyle habits to maintain mental resilience.
The panel highlighted actionable steps for everyday emotional care, including maintaining a healthy work-life balance, getting adequate rest, engaging in regular physical activity and fostering open communication within families and workplaces.
The initiative aligns closely with international health priorities.
Chairdawg of the Project Development and Execution Committee (PDEC) for the National Association of Seadogs, Mr Samuel Idowu, explained that the advocacy is part of the global body’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Capoon of Katamaran Deck comprising Ijebuland and Remo, Comrade Jamal Apena, underscored the broader socio-economic impact of mental health, describing it as an essential component of human development, social stability and national productivity.
“A healthy mind is a healthy individual, and a healthy individual contributes to a healthy nation,” Apena stated.
He explained that promoting mental well-being requires collective responsibility and a supportive environment where individuals can seek help without fear.
He further stressed that any society prioritising the mental health of its citizens is actively investing in a healthier, more productive and more resilient population.
Reinforcing this stance, the Deck Second Mate, Dr. Olusola Smith Adeyemi, underscored the significance of World Mental Health Day in the calendar of the National Association of Seadogs.
He noted that the annual commemoration provides a critical window to draw public attention to these concerns, challenge harmful societal attitudes and encourage families and institutions to take mental well-being seriously.
Dr. Adeyemi observed that mental health is not merely a private or individual concern but a broader social issue with massive implications for family relationships, education and workplace productivity.
He explained that building a healthier society requires empathy, accessible professional support, and a collective commitment to treating everyone with dignity and compassion.
The event concluded with the National Association of Seadogs, Katamaran Deck reaffirming its commitment to initiatives that promote public awareness, human dignity and social responsibility.
The central message of the programme remained clear: mental health is an essential part of overall health and those experiencing challenges need professional care, understanding and community support rather than isolation.
