SUICIDE WATCH: Youth must avoid get-rich-quick syndrome, Lagos Speaker cautions

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has advised Nigerians to care for their neighbours as a way of curbing the increasing suicide rate across the country.

He lamented that suicide, which used to be alien to Nigerians, had become a recurring incident mostly as a result of influences that could ordinarily be controlled.

In his message to commemorate the World Suicide Prevention Day held globally on September 10, Obasa urged Nigerians to return to the era where they cared for their neighbours.

The Speaker also said it was saddening to note that people take their lives over reasons that could be seen as flimsy and which could be resolved with determination to succeed.

On the other hand, he said it was a bit soothing that Nigeria was not on the red line concerning the rate of suicide compared to some other countries.

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“The World Health Organisation says despite efforts to curb the challenge, one person dies from suicide across the world every 40 second,” he said.

“With this alarming statistic, it is just expedient that we do more to be our brothers’ keepers.

“We should also know that life is precious and that it is full of challenges, which when surmounted, become lessons in progress and success.

“The youth must avoid the get-rich-quick syndrome and learn the ropes to success.

“There is hardly anyone who became rich overnight. There are ladders that must be climbed.”

Obasa called for effective care for citizens suffering from depression and mental health issues, adding that Nigerians should always check their health status.

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