Monday,October 25, 2021 / 10:30 AM / Ecobank / Image Header Credit: Ecobank

EcobankNigeria has reiterated its commitment towards promoting mental awarenessfor its staff, customers, and the communities where it operates being part ofits corporate action to support general wellbeing amongst citizens. This,according to the bank, is necessary in view of the enormous stress peopleencounter while trying to play their part in sustaining the national economy.The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan while speakingat the 2021 "Ecobank Day" event in Lagos stated that there was need for peopleto exercise more sensitivity and be more supportive towards improving mentalhealth.  

Accordingto him, "This year, we are focusing on how we can support one another toimprove on our mental health. It is something we should be open to talk about;it is something that we should be able to share our concerns so that each of uscan be sensitive to how we support one another and to manage the stressavailable in our environment. So, this year, we are focused on mental health,educating people on how to identify and manage the disease, while also helping reduce stigma and discrimination. We all knowthat Nigeria is a country with about 200 million people, and there is a lot ofstress on all of us. At Ecobank, we encourage staff to speak out through wordof mouth, written communication, WhatsApp, sms message, even if it is ananonymous call to support victims. We also try to identify things within theenvironment that could have a negative effect on our journey to better mentalhealth, and quickly take them out". 

Onher part, the Executive Director, Commercial Bank, Ecobank Nigeria, CarolOyedeji, urged colleagues to find a way to balance work with other aspects oftheir life. "Please when you close work, shut down your system and find ways toconnect with your spouse, family and in any other thing that will give you joyand happiness". She noted that we must encourage peopleto feel comfortable to talk about their emotions, without shame, fear of beingjudged or abused. She emphasized that anyone suffering or facing mental healthproblems should be aware that they can get help. 

Expertsat the event listed signs to watch out for in mental health to include;negative view of self, feeling alone, giving things away and frequent talksabout death. They noted that mental healthdisorders are one of the most common Non-Communicable Diseases, noting thatmental health issues can happen to anyone and it's important to talk about itand also act on it.  

Ecobank Day, is a Group's flagship annual corporate and socialresponsibility event that 'gives back' to the local communities across thepan-African footprint.  The 2021 Ecobank Day had the theme 'Mental Health- Time to Talk and Act!'. It marks the final stage of Ecobank's three-yearcampaign to raise awareness and help prevent Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). 

Ecobank Day which started in 2013, focusing each year on a specifictheme. These have been Education for young people in Africa (2013); Malariaprevention and control (2014); Every African child deserves a better future(2015); ICT education in schools and improving maternal health (2016); Safe watermanagement (2017); Orphanages (2018); Cancer (2019); and Diabetes (2020).

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