Businessman Olufemi Fowora has announced plans to establish a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in memory of his late father, Otunba Emmanuel Olufemi Fowora.

The philanthropist said he would provide N500 million to support the fight against mental illness in Nigeria.

Less than ten percent of mentally ill Nigerians are estimated to have access to the care they need, according to the According to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

‘One in four Nigerians – about 50 million people in total – is suffering from at least one form of mental illness and I have found that in Nigeria, it is very difficult to get the requisite help’, he said.

‘At present, there are only eight federal neuropsychiatric hospitals in the country, and while some non-profit organisations are doing their best to provide help to affected persons, there is still a huge gap to be filled’.

He also said, ‘To kick start this vision, I have committed N50 million in my personal capacity and I look forward to celebrating the impact of our collective effort across Nigerian communities’.

He commended Nigerians who have set up initiatives to support those battling with mental illness as he hopes that the government will soon commit more resources to ensure citizens are afforded the much-needed access to health care.

Source: Vanguard

Photo source: World Bank Photo Collection