A lecturer in the Department of Islamic Law, University of Ilorin, Dr. Folorunsho Ahmad Hussein has said, that mental health is a fundamental right of every human being that needs to be protected, preserved, and honored by all.

The legal luminary popularly known as Bar Sadam disclosed this on Tuesday 10th of October 2023, at a public lecture he delivered in commemoration of the year 2023 World Mental Health Day Celebration, held at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Budo Egba, Kwara State.

The psychiatric hospital, the first of its kind in the whole of the North-Central geopolitical zone of the country was facilitated by the immediate former Senator of the Kwara Central, Sen. -Dr. Ibrahim Yahya Oloriegbe during his four-year stint as a member of the Nigerian 9th Senate where he served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health.

While speaking on the theme: "Mental Health is a Universal Human Right", Dr. Sadam said, "People with mental disorders should not be discriminated against; must be well taken care of; and also be recommended for necessary and possibly medical attention.

He urged people to avoid anything that will jeopardize their mental health and always ensure that they prioritize their mental wellness, these, he said, had scriptural backings in the holy Qur'an.

He commended Dr. Ibrahim Yahya Oloriegbe on his efforts which led to the establishment of the health institution, praying to God to preserve him to provide more services for humanity.

While addressing the journalists, the Medical Director, of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Budo Egba, Prof. Baba Awoye Issa urged the people not to discriminate against people with mental challenges. He expressed also that mental disorders of any kind are treatable and that was why health institutions such as FNPH Budo were created to provide quality mental health services to the populace. He also noted that the medical services available at the institution despite being a specialist, cover general health.

He commended the Rotary International Clubs, Kwara State chapter for their active crusading of mental health wellness, and also for their support to the institution to have a successful organization of the program this year.

According to Baba Issa, "The mental health bill which later became an act after the assent of the immediate past President Muhammed Buhari was the brainchild of one us who represented Kwara Central in the 9th Senate, and that was Sen Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe who coincidentally sponsored the law that established this health institution, it is that law, that encompasses the inalienable rights of the people with mental health challenges." He added.

Also, the chairman of the planning committee of the event, Dr. Oludolapo Oladeji urged the people to be there for others as far as mental health is concerned, noting that everybody should enjoy good mental well-being.

In her submission, Rotarian Yetunde Fatoyinbo from the Rotary Club of Ilorin advocated for good treatment for people with mental health challenges whilst encouraging healthy living. She also advised the people to prevent having disorders at all costs.

The event had in attendance the Kwara State Commissioner of Police ably represented by the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of Otte Division, SP Obi James, the Otte-Budo Egba CAN Chairman, Pastor Agboade, Budo-Egba Community Chairman, Ambali Solihu, Representatives of Rotary Club in Kwara, Representatives of FRSC, Kwara State Ministry of Health, transporters, traditional, religious and communities leaders, among others.