A Mental Health Club launched at Ejigbo Baptist High School in Ejigbo, Osun State, on Friday to promote emotional wellbeing and mental health awareness among students. The initiative was supported by the 1996 Set of the school’s Old Students Association to contribute to the development of students at their alma mater.
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Explains School Mental Health Role
Dr. Temilade Adegbite, a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, spoke at the launch. She stated that schools play an important role in promoting the mental health of children and adolescents because young people spend a significant part of their lives in the educational environment. According to Adegbite, this makes schools ideal for mental health education, early identification of emotional and behavioral difficulties, and appropriate intervention.
The new club aims to improve student understanding of mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage young people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties to seek support. Activities will include mental health education and awareness, peer-support sessions, discussions on emotional wellbeing, stress management, resilience-building, and anti-stigma campaigns. The program provides a platform for students to develop healthy coping skills and fosters a mentally healthy school environment.
Old Students Association Committee Members Behind the Osun School Initiative
The project received backing from members of the 1996 Set committee. Those involved in supporting the initiative include Dr. Temilade Adegbite, Dr. Oyebode Paul, Dr. Lukman Oyedokun, Mr. Mathew Ojekale, Mrs. Kemi Omigbodun, Mrs. Omolola Adewale, Mr. Akintayo Ademola, Mr. Bayo Oyekunle, Mr. Taiwo Opawole, and Mr. Lawal Kazeem. Mr. Sesan Oyelakin serves as the coordinator of the 1996 Set and was instrumental to the launch.
The event brought together members of the old students association and the broader school community. The gathering marked a collaborative effort to strengthen mental health support structures directly inside the Osun State secondary school.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ejigbo Baptist High School Mental Health Club
When was the Mental Health Club launched?
The initiative was launched on Friday at Ejigbo Baptist High School in Ejigbo, Osun State.
Who funded and supported the establishment of the club?
The club was supported by the 1996 Set of the school’s Old Students Association, with key committee members including Dr. Temilade Adegbite and set coordinator Mr. Sesan Oyelakin.
What specific activities will the club offer to students?
Activities will feature mental health education, peer-support sessions, stress management, resilience-building exercises, anti-stigma campaigns, and discussions focused on emotional wellbeing.
Canadian Health Funding Disputes
“Any reductions, any cuts from Canada, will have direct impacts on the health outcomes of Manitobans,” Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said. Health ministers from various provinces and territories met recently to warn that a “fiscal cliff” is approaching if the federal government does not renew funding for mental health, addictions, and home care.
The ministers, joined by finance counterparts, discussed the potential loss of $1.2 billion in annual funding due next March. They noted this money previously supported community care, mental health, and addictions services, as well as thousands of jobs. Manitoba’s Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith and several finance ministers also attended the Monday meeting. Asagwara described the situation as the largest potential health care cut in a generation.
The dispute involves several funding streams. A $4.8 billion allocation for mental health, addictions, and home care is set to expire in March 2027. Funding of $3 billion for long-term care safety sunsets in 2026, while $1.7 billion for personal support worker wages will be spent by 2028. There is also disagreement over the Canada Health Transfer; while it is guaranteed to grow by at least 5% annually until the 2027-28 fiscal year, the federal budget plans a reduction to a 3% minimum growth rate after March 2028. Premiers insist the 5% floor must remain.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne did not attend this week’s meeting. A spokesperson for Michel stated that funding agreements are fixed-term to allow for review. The spokesperson added that Prime Minister Mark Carney and the premiers had previously directed health and finance ministers to collaborate on system productivity and long-term funding following a July meeting.
The federal government’s 2023 budget had pledged $200 billion over 10 years to modernize the system and reduce surgery backlogs following the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior media relations officer Jesse Knisley stated that the government “looks forward to working with provincial, territorial, and federal partners to secure sustainable funding for these essential programs.”
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