The Prime Unique Women Initiative (PUWI) proudly hosted a highly successful 2-day customised workshop focused on “Mental Health and Productivity for Effective Service Delivery” in Abuja. Held from the 16th to the 17th of May, 2024, at the Merit House, this event brought together gender officers and the wives of military and paramilitary officers to address critical issues surrounding mental health and its impact on productivity.
Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speakers.
The opening remarks were delivered by the distinguished President, Dr. Folake Yobah, fimc, cmc, who emphasized the crucial role of mental health in enhancing service delivery and productivity. Goodwill messages followed, highlighting the support from various organizations and public institutions represented at the event.
Insightful Presentations
Throughout the two days, delegates were treated to a series of compelling presentations by esteemed speakers. Dr. Faith David kicked off the session with an insightful paper on “The Impact of Poor Diet on Mental Health Problems in Society,” emphasizing the correlation between nutrition and mental well-being.
Mr. Eric Obi delivered a Paper on “The Influence of Imbalanced Mental Health on the Alarming Increase of Criminal Activities in the Country,” drawing a direct line between mental health and societal safety.
Barrister Ninnah Samuel addressed the alarming increase in domestic violence and rape, shedding light on the mental health aspects driving these societal issues.
Mr. Felix Opute’s session on “Creating Awareness and Sensitization on Mental Health through Digital Social Media Platforms” provided practical strategies for leveraging technology to enhance mental health awareness and productivity.
Engaging Plenary Sessions
The interactive plenary sessions allowed delegates to discuss and brainstorm solutions, fostering a collaborative environment for effective policymaking. Dr. (Mrs.) Folake Yobah’s presentation on “Harnessing Emotional Intelligence Attributes for Management of Poor Mental Health in Workplace Environments” was particularly well-received, offering valuable tools for improving workplace dynamics.
Day two featured a comprehensive review of the previous day’s papers, followed by Dr. Bassey Etim Ikang’s presentation on “The Relationship Between Mental Health and Effective Service Delivery to Enhance Productivity.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) presented a significant paper on their role in combating illicit drug peddling and its influence on mental health, showcasing their commitment to a healthier society.
Delegate Feedback and Institutional Representation
Feedback from the delegates was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the workshop for its relevance and depth. Representatives from various public institutions, including the Ministry of Health, the National Orientation Agency, and the Nigeria Police Force, were in attendance, underscoring the broad support for addressing mental health issues at a national level.
Upcoming Events
PUWI is excited to announce its upcoming programs:
– 4-Day Study Tour of Rwanda on Peace Building and Democratic Values for Women and Youth: 9th – 12th July 2024.
– 4-Day Cybersecurity Study Tour in Singapore for Nigeria’s Critical Infrastructure Stakeholders: 28th – 31st July 2024, at Novotel Singapore on Kitchner.
These events promise to build on the success of the Abuja workshop, offering further opportunities for learning and collaboration.
Join Us
We invite everyone to participate in our future events and join us in our mission to empower women for nation-building. For more information, visit our website at www.puwi.org or our head office at 2, Diorben Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
Together, let’s continue to make strides towards a more empowered and mentally healthy society.