The Anambra State government has taken a major step to support people living with mental health conditions. After its 12th Executive Council meeting, Governor Charles Soludo announced that the state will build a modern rehabilitation centre in Nibo, Awka. The governor said this project shows his administration’s belief that mental health deserves the same urgency and respect as physical health.
Why the Centre Matters
Many residents with mental illness leave hospital care only to find that their families are not yet ready—or able—to support them. According to the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the new Anambra facility will provide:
- A safe, structured environment for people discharged from psychiatric hospitals or asylums.
- A full range of rehabilitation services—counselling, skills training, and community reintegration programs—to help residents return to normal life.
Dr. Mefor explained that the centre fits neatly into Governor Soludo’s broader health agenda, which states that “good health is more than the absence of disease; it must include mental wellness.”
Soludo’s Broader Health Reforms in Anambra
Governor Soludo has gained national attention for overhauling healthcare in Anambra. He was recently named “Most Performing Governor in Primary Healthcare” both in the South-East and across Nigeria. His administration’s other health initiatives include:
- Free Antenatal and Delivery Care
- Expectant mothers in Anambra can now receive basic pregnancy drugs and safe delivery services at no cost. Soludo views maternal and child health as a core priority.
- Strengthening Existing Hospitals
- The governor approved funds to rebuild the collapsed perimeter fence and drainage system at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Nawfia. Protecting essential mental-health infrastructure ensures patients receive care in a secure setting.
Key Benefits of the Nibo Rehabilitation Centre
- Continuity of Care – Patients leaving hospital care often relapse if they return to stressful environments. The centre offers a bridge that supports lasting recovery.
- Family Relief and Training – Relatives will learn how to help loved ones, reducing stigma and fear in the community.
- Community Safety – Proper treatment and monitoring lower the risk of untreated mental illness leading to crises.
- Economic Empowerment – Skills training will help residents find work, easing the financial burden on families and boosting the local economy.
How the Project Fits Into Anambra’s Vision
- Inclusive Healthcare – No citizen should be left out because of mental illness.
- Holistic Approach – Physical, mental, and social health are addressed together.
- Modern Infrastructure – New buildings and upgraded facilities signal that Anambra is investing in its future.
Conclusion
With the rehabilitation centre in Nibo, Awka, Governor Soludo is turning his promise of “health for all” into reality. By recognising that mental health is health, Anambra paves the way for other states to follow. When the centre opens, countless residents will gain a second chance at stable, productive lives—confirming that a society is truly measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members.
References
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