By Theresa Moses
The International Society of Substance Use, Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP) Nigeria Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH) Yaba, Lagos.
This is to appreciate the institution’s remarkable support to the association and to explore stronger collaborative strides, essential in advancing addiction prevention, treatment and recovery actions, within a broader national framework.
Leading the delegation, the new President of ISSUP Nigeria, Dr. Olajumoke M. Koyejo, in her opening statements, reiterated the hospital’s pioneering leadership role and 118- year legacy of excellence in mental health care, training, advocacy and research. She described the institution as “a beacon of innovation for continuous groundbreaking records in mental health services”.
She noted the hospital’s investment in people and partnerships, which reflects a deep understanding of national mental health priorities.
Dr Koyejo, cited three major contributions that have defined the hospital’s impact on the growth of ISSUP Nigeria.
- Hosting the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP)-the first of its kind in Nigeria.
- Enhancing nationwide capacity building by subsidising the training of over 1,000 addiction professionals.
- Maintaining consistent participation and institutional support for ISSUP programmes and conferences.
During the deliberations, Dr. Koyejo unveiled the Youth O’ Clock agenda, an initiative that is central to the goal of her tenure. She explained that this action will focus on investing in young people, who desire to take addiction prevention, treatment and recovery to greater heights. To change tomorrow, right steps must be taken today. She emphasized the need to mentor, train, and inspire the youth to lead the movement for mental health awareness and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery across Nigeria. This aligns with national and global sustainable development goals. This she stressed and it underscores ISSUP Nigeria’s renewed commitment to empower the next generation of mental health and addiction professionals and drivers.
The Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olugbenga A. Owoeye, in his welcome address, congratulated Dr. Koyejo and her executive members, believing that their expertise and experiences, will sustain current gains and escalate tangible holistic progress. He commended the outstanding efforts of ISSUP, in addressing substance use, prevention, treatment and recovery, through evidence based, compassionate approaches and community engagements. He restated his commitment to strengthening partnership with ISSUP Nigeria, highlighting the importance of collective actions, required to combat the sophistication and dynamism, substance use and addiction presents, in a complex world.
Dr. Owoeye pledged that FNPH Yaba, Lagos as an institution that recognizes and motivates commitment and resilience. The institution will gladly extend assistance to ISSUP Nigeria Chapter, in technical and infrastructure support, capacity building and organisational mentorship, realizing that together, committed people can do more.
The courtesy visit ended with the ISSUP team, extending their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye and the management of FNPH Yaba, for the warm hospitality, generosity and visionary leadership. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to a lasting and impactful partnership. This will improve training, research, and advocacy, for addiction prevention, treatment and recovery within diverse target groups.
They also expressed satisfaction with the meeting outcomes which produced landmark outcomes, signaling a strengthened relationship between both esteemed institutions.
About ISSUP Nigeria
The International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP) www.ISSUP.net is a global organisation committed to advancing evidence-based addiction prevention, treatment and recovery practices. The Nigeria Chapter serves as the national hub for professional training, advocacy, and capacity development in addiction and mental health promotion in Nigeria.
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