A prominent advocate for men’s mental health, Halima Layeni, has urged the government to establish a Ministry of Men’s Affairs to tackle the specific issues faced by men in Nigeria.
In an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Layeni highlighted the severity of challenges such as violence, depression, suicide, and economic instability affecting men, which also impact the country’s economic stability.
The proposed ministry would focus on five key areas: improving health outcomes, addressing violence against men, enhancing economic stability, reducing suicide rates, and strengthening family dynamics, according to Daily Post.
Layeni emphasized that men in Nigeria are often overlooked victims of violence, depression, and suicide, and are deprived of opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment.
She stressed that cultural norms prevent men from seeking help, leading to unaddressed mental health issues and violence.
The establishment of a Ministry of Men’s Affairs, according to Layeni, would promote gender equality by ensuring that men receive the same level of support and empowerment as other demographics.
She believes that empowered men are more capable of contributing positively to society, benefiting their families, communities, and the national economy.
“Men in Nigeria are grappling with a host of severe and often overlooked issues. They are victims of violence, including domestic abuse and assault, which remains starkly underreported due to entrenched societal stigmas.
“Men also endure alarmingly high rates of depression and suicide, exacerbated by societal expectations and a conspicuous lack of targeted support. Economic instability further aggravates these challenges, with many men deprived of crucial opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment.
“Cultural norms frequently prevent men from seeking help, leading to unaddressed mental health issues and violence. Despite these severe struggles, men continue to fulfil their roles as providers, breadwinners, husbands, and fathers, often shouldering these burdens with silent fortitude.
“To address these critical issues, the establishment of a Ministry of Men’s Affairs should focus on five key areas. Firstly, improving health outcomes for men is essential; this involves creating dedicated services to tackle the silent crisis of mental health, promoting tailored healthcare initiatives, and educational programs designed specifically for men.
“Secondly, addressing violence against men requires the creation of robust mechanisms for reporting and support, ensuring that male victims of violence receive the necessary protection and justice.
“Thirdly, enhancing economic stability is crucial; this entails developing targeted opportunities for skill enhancement, entrepreneurship, and career advancement, thereby improving economic prospects for men.
“Fourthly, reducing suicide rates among men demands the implementation of comprehensive programs that provide crisis intervention and support, directly targeting the high incidence of suicide in this demographic.
“Lastly, strengthening family dynamics by providing support for men in their familial roles will foster social stability and help mitigate issues related to family breakdown and domestic violence.
“The establishment of this ministry will unequivocally advance gender equality by ensuring that men receive the same level of support, opportunities, and empowerment that has been long afforded to other demographics. Empowered men are more capable of contributing positively to society, thereby benefiting their families, communities, and the national economy.”
