NGO to Build Ultra-modern Mental Health Facility in Nigeria

A Non-Governmental Organisation, TQ Behavioral Health Limited, is establishing a state-of-the-art mental health facility in Nigeria, to offer a range of health services centered around Mental Health and Drug Rehabilitation.

The Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the organization, Dr. Henry Odunlami, made the disclosure at the 5th-anniversary program of the organization, with the theme, ‘Domestic Violence in Nigeria through the Ages: Causes, Mental Health Consequences and Intervention’ held in Lagos, adding that the gesture was part of the establishment of social responsibilities.

He explained that the mental facility is to be sited at Lekki in Lagos State, and will be ready for commissioning in October, with the assurance that other zones of the country are being considered for the same, while there is also a plan in the offing to expand operations to other West African countries in due course.

Odunlami said TQ Behavioral Health is a premier mental health and substance abuse treatment facility, a privately owned mental health facility in Nigeria, an international organization, a subsidiary of GenPsych, a Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited psychiatric facility situated in the United States of America (USA).

The chairman disclosed that the organization commonly known as Tranquil and Quest started operations in Nigeria on the 1st of May 2017, with a multidisciplinary team of professionals which include Consultant Psychiatrists, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Clinical Psychologists, and Occupational Therapists, and other experts in various fields.

He said that the organization’s services included adult psychiatric treatment, a drug and substance use rehabilitation program, a child and adolescent clinic, psychological assessments and screening, as well an employee assistance program.

The guest lecturer at the event who spoke on the topic, ‘Domestic Violence in Nigeria-Complications’, Prof. Taiwo Lateef Sheikh of the Department Of Psychiatry, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in his paper noted that the lockdown during the era of coronavirus pandemic also responsible for the high rate of domestic violence.

He said, “Many countries around the world have imposed lockdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19. Lockdowns have proved effective measures for battling the pandemic, but they have also exposed gendered inequalities and the threats to women across the world.

‘It is a difficult and anxious period for everyone, physical restriction, inadequate space, lack of recreational alternatives, boredom, unequal sharing of labor, fear of inability to meet family responsibilities, fear of job loss and the future (health, social and financial consequences of Covid-19) could lead to increase sensitivity and irritability which could lead to aggression and lack/loss of usual tolerance; all these could precipitate domestic violence and worsen it where it existed in milder forms.”

He added that, sexual violence was shockingly common in our society, and that statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says nearly one in 5 women in America are raped or sexually assaulted at some point in their lives, often by someone they know and trust.

He said, “In some Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries, that figure is even higher. And sexual assault isn’t limited to women; many men and boys suffer rape and sexual trauma each year. Regardless of age or gender, the impact of sexual violence goes far beyond any physical injuries.

“The trauma of being raped or sexually assaulted can be shattering, leaving you feeling scared, ashamed, and alone or plagued by nightmares, flashbacks, and other unpleasant memories. The world doesn’t feel like a safe place anymore. You no longer trust others. You don’t even trust yourself. You may question your judgment, your self-worth, and even your sanity.”

In his submission, Dr O.A Owoeye of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos, speaking on the topic, ’Domestic Violence in Nigeria through the Ages: Causes, Mental health consequences, and Intervention’ said domestic violence should not be seen as a one-sided story, which only focuses on female victims, adding that in some cases men are also victims.

“It, therefore, affects men, women, or teen girls and boys, whether in a married or unmarried heterosexual or homosexual relationship. Intimate partner violence may consist of one or more forms, including emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, or economic abuse, and is defined as one person in an intimate relationship using any means to put down or otherwise control the other,” he said.

Owoeye noted that statistics about those who are affected by intimate partner violence are staggering; and domestic abuse affects 3%-5% of current adult relationships in the United States, including more than 2 million women.

He said, “The statistics about those who are affected by intimate partner violence are staggering; domestic abuse affects 3%-5% of current adult relationships in the United States, including more than 2 million women. Despite this issue disproportionately affecting women, the myth that violence against men does not occur is incorrect; 800,000 men are victims of intimate partner abuse.”

The Executive Director, Operations TQ Behavioral Health, Olakunle Adeogun earlier in his welcome address described Behavioral Health Limited as the Premier Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facility in Nigeria with a mission to play a key role in the total transformation of behavioral health care in Nigeria and beyond.

Adeogun added that the establishment would work closely with both clients and their loved ones to provide world-class effective and supportive treatment in a safe and very comfortable environment that promotes recovery.

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