Osun Police Command Boosts Personnel Mental Wellness with Awareness Lecture

The Osun State Police Command recently conducted a mental health awareness seminar for its personnel, an initiative designed to enhance their psychological stability, emotional strength, and overall operational effectiveness. This development was announced on Tuesday by the command's Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, coinciding with the global observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10.

According to the official statement, the objective of the lecture was to enlighten officers on the crucial role mental well-being plays in policing. This is particularly relevant given the inherent stresses of police work, which includes constant exposure to demanding situations, security threats, emergency responses, and various other job-related pressures.

During the programme, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Dr) Iyiola Ogundimite, who heads the Police Hospital within the Osun State Command, emphasized the importance of officers proactively managing their mental health and seeking necessary assistance. She highlighted that “good mental health is essential for sound judgment, professionalism, effective decision-making, and respectful engagement with members of the public.”

Dr. T. Ayantola, a psychiatrist from the Federal Psychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta, Ogun State, served as the guest lecturer. Dr. Ayantola focused on practical strategies such as effective stress management, ensuring sufficient rest, cultivating healthy personal relationships, fostering peer support networks, and recognizing signs of psychological distress early.

Officers were also strongly advised to offer mutual support to their colleagues, avoid any form of stigmatization towards those facing mental health issues, and promptly consult qualified professionals when support is needed.

Commissioner of Police for Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Zungura, underscored that mental health is a fundamental component of police welfare. He asserted that officers who are mentally and emotionally sound are better equipped to fulfill their constitutional duties efficiently while simultaneously respecting citizens' fundamental human rights. CP Zungura encouraged officers to “embrace healthy coping strategies” and strive to “maintain a proper work-life balance.”

The command reiterated its dedication to fostering the physical, psychological, and emotional health of its workforce, ultimately aiming to improve service delivery and bolster public safety.