Courtesy Visit to Hon. Emeka Obioma – Strengthening Legislative Support for Mental Health Advocacy in Umuahia South

Hon. Emeka Obioma, Chief Whip and representative of Umuahia South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly received the BanStopPrevent Field Research Team, led by Dr. Christian Abuajah, Field Coordinator/Team Lead on Tuesday, 24th September 2024. The visit took place at Hon. Obioma’s office within the Abia State House of Assembly complex and aimed to brief him on the BanStopPrevent Advocacy Project, a joint initiative by Walk347 and NAS Magna Carta, Hertfordshire, UK.

The BanStopPrevent Advocacy Project, currently conducting a pilot field survey across three communities in Ubakala—Mgbarakuma, Nsukwe, and Apumiri—focuses on evaluating Mental Health Services: Current Practices and Improvements. The project aims to generate quantitative and qualitative data to enhance mental health services in these communities. Hon. Obioma, as a key legislative figure in the constituency, plays a critical role in supporting its success.

During the visit, the field research team emphasised the importance of engaging local leaders like Hon. Obioma, who can provide legislative backing and advocacy for mental health initiatives. Hon. Obioma expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of Walk347 and NAS Magna Carta in bringing such a vital project to his constituency. He praised their commitment to humanitarian causes and pledged his full support, acknowledging the significance of improving mental health services within the region.

Hon. Obioma’s recognition of the project’s potential impact on his constituency highlights the importance of strong partnerships between local leaders and organisations driving positive change. His commitment to advocating for the improvement of mental health services will no doubt be instrumental in shaping the project’s success and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

At the conclusion of the visit, the team formally submitted a letter introducing the project to Hon. Obioma, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort aimed at addressing mental health challenges in Umuahia South.

This visit underscores Walk347 and NAS Magna Carta’s dedication to working closely with community stakeholders to foster a robust mental health care framework, which will benefit not only the immediate communities but the broader constituency as well.

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Christian Abuajah, PhD
is the Field Coordinator/Team Lead of the BanStopPrevent Mental Health Advocacy Project Field Researchers.