Atiku Advises Parents On How To Curb Depression And Suicidal Thoughts In Their Children

Published: May 23, 2019

The Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has advised parents on what to do as Nigeria experiences an increasing rate of suicide among youths.

Atiku gave his advice via his official Twitter handle while reacting to the report of a 300 level medical student identified as Uzakah Timi Ebiweni who ended his own life after failing his #MBBS exams.

KanyiDaily had reported that Uzakah Timi Ebiweni, a 300 level medical student of the Niger Delta University (NDU), committed suicide by plunging himself into Amassoma River in Bayelsa State.

In reaction, Atiku advised that parent should pay close attention to their children for early signs of depression so as to prevent the situation from plunging into suicide.

The rate of suicide among our youth is worrisome. I believe that as parents and community, we need to pay close attention for early signs of depression among our young people, particularly in this depressing times. -AA https://t.co/m5PCZFl4MO
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 21, 2019

He wrote:

“The rate of suicide among our youth is worrisome. I believe that as parents and community, we need to pay close attention for early signs of depression among our young people, particularly in this depressing times.”

Atiku’s advice corresponds with that of the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) which spoke through its 2nd Deputy President, Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, saying parents must be on the alert. He said:

“Honestly, it is very sad, very disappointing and yes it is very condemnable. But condemning it alone will not bring the solution; we as parents must be alert to stop this menace.
“Parents must be alert always to identify changes or any suicide tendencies in their children. Children, especially undergraduates, need constant monitoring in order to avert any danger.
“Nowadays, many of us parents do not have time for our children anymore, we only worry about their upkeep but neglect the social life.

“When we talk of time, it is divided into two; normal time and quality time — and what our children need is quality time. It is not right for anybody to commit suicide for whatsoever reason but for a depressed person, they will not think that it is not right.”