2026 World Mental Health Day: Kwara Government Reaffirms Commitment to Well-being of Persons with Disabilities

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The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the mental health and overall well-being of persons with disabilities through inclusive policies and programmes that promote dignity, equal opportunities, and social inclusion.

The Honourable Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, PhD, stated this on Wednesday during a programme organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development to commemorate the 2026 World Mental Health Day.

The event, themed "Mental Health for All: Prioritizing the Well-being of Persons with Disabilities," was held at the Registry Hall of the Ministry in Ilorin, the state capital.
In her address, the Commissioner described mental health as an essential component of overall well-being, stressing that it deserves the same level of attention as physical health.

She noted that persons with disabilities often face emotional, psychological, and social challenges, making it imperative to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to appropriate mental health support.

According to her, the programme was organised to equip participants with practical strategies for maintaining positive mental health while promoting social inclusion.

She encouraged participants to actively engage in the various sessions, share their experiences, and apply the knowledge acquired to enhance their well-being and support others within their communities.

The Commissioner also advised persons with disabilities to remain security conscious in view of the prevailing security challenges across the country.
Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his support for the Ministry of Social Development and his administration's sustained commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens through inclusive programmes and policies.

Delivering the health talk, the guest speaker, Mr. Ibikunle Adewumi Adebayo, underscored the importance of prioritising mental health, describing it as a vital component of overall well-being.

He encouraged persons with disabilities to cultivate self-confidence, build healthy relationships, engage in regular physical activity, and seek professional help whenever they experience emotional or psychological challenges.

He also called on families, caregivers, and the general public to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health conditions and create a supportive environment for persons with disabilities.

Also speaking, the Ministry's Medical Officer, Dr. Omotosho Alao, highlighted the close relationship between physical and mental health. He stressed the importance of proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest, effective stress management, and routine medical check-ups in maintaining good mental health.

He further urged caregivers, families, and members of the community to provide an enabling environment where persons with disabilities are respected, supported, and empowered to live fulfilling lives.

During the interactive session, the Chairman of the National Association of Visually Impaired Persons, Kwara State Chapter, Mallam Hakeem Ayinde Lawal, shared his personal experiences and encouraged persons with disabilities to remain resilient and self-confident.

He stressed that disability should never be regarded as a barrier to success, affirming that there is indeed ability in disability.

He urged participants to remain proactive, acquire relevant skills, and take advantage of available opportunities that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, Mr. Abdulsalam Kehinde Hussein, commended the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his support and numerous interventions aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of persons with disabilities across the state.

He also appreciated the Kwara State Government for its commitment to promoting inclusion and ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the state's development agenda.

The programme featured a group exercise session, recreational games, health talks, an interactive session, and goodwill messages, all aimed at promoting mental wellness, fostering inclusion, and encouraging a supportive environment for persons with disabilities.

The event attracted participants from various disability groups and key stakeholders across the state.

Those in attendance included representatives of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, Kwara State Chapter, the National Association of Visually Impaired Persons, Kwara State Chapter, the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, the Kwara State Association of the Deaf (KWASAD), the Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative, caregivers, social workers, students from special schools, and government officials.

Rasheedat Shodunnke
Press Secretary
Ministry of Social Development
0806 232 5157

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