Family thanks Edo government for helping mentally ill sister

The family of Evbu Eguasa has praised the Edo State Government for helping her recovery after living with mental health issues for about 16 years.

The family expressed their gratitude on Tuesday during a visit to the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Benin. They wanted to thank the government for its support.

Speaking for the family, Lugard Eguasa said their efforts to get treatment for his sister faced financial problems and other challenges.

He thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, for making the help possible. He said this support has improved her condition.

Lugard shared that Ms Eguasa, born in 1964, lived in Italy for several years before returning to Nigeria under hard conditions.

He explained that her mental health issues started about 16 years ago after she went through several traumatic events, including being separated from her only daughter.

The family had taken her to a neuropsychiatric hospital for treatment before, but they could not continue due to lack of money.

"We appreciate the Edo Government for coming to our aid. We are hopeful that with the care she is receiving, she will recover and be reintegrated into society," he said.

In response, Mrs Abdallah assured the family that the ministry would keep monitoring Ms Eguasa’s progress. She promised to provide the necessary support throughout her rehabilitation.

She emphasized that the state government is committed to protecting vulnerable people. The government wants to make sure that residents who cannot care for themselves get the help they need.

Ediagbonya Clarice, a social welfare officer in the ministry’s rehabilitation department, also spoke. She said the government is focused on helping people with mental health conditions.

Mrs Clarice mentioned that affected people are assessed and given appropriate rehabilitation services. Families are encouraged to work with authorities for successful reintegration.

She added that people who recover can also take part in empowerment programs to promote self-reliance and reduce vulnerability after rehabilitation.

According to her, mental health issues can come from factors like depression, substance abuse, and traumatic experiences in life. This makes early intervention very important.

Mrs Clarice expressed worry about the rising cases of mental health challenges among young people. She linked some cases to the abuse of harmful substances.

She urged parents, guardians, and communities to pay more attention to the wellbeing of young people. She encouraged those facing challenges to seek help quickly.

NAN reports that the Edo State Government rescued Ms Eguasa on July 13 after they learned about her condition and started her rehabilitation program.