News Obiaks News

The Deputy Senate leader, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice has called on all and sundry, including traditional and religious leaders, to take the fight against suicide seriously as it has become a national issue that needs the cooperation of all. He made the statement at the official induction ceremony of Africa Project Against Suicide Board of Trustee members held in Abuja on Tuesday.
            Boroffice was inducted as the Chairman of the Board. Other members of the Board are Mr Swem Collins, Mr Debulak Lamu, Pharm Sotunde Adenike, Pastor Peter Inyang, Pastor Honey Olawale and Mr. Roland Andekin. While speaking, the Deputy Senate Leader said the frequent suicide cases in Nigeria has become an issue of concern to the Nigerian Senate. The senator said the issue was thoroughly discussed on the floor of the Senate and the Senate recommended the ban of snipers and other urgent measures. In his words, “I agreed to serve as the chairman of this board because of the seriousness of the issue on ground”. He also counselled the newly constituted board members to work in unity and unison with a focus on combating Suicide. Meanwhile, the guest speaker, Mr. Kola Akinpelu said only Botswana has National strategy on suicide in Africa. He appealed to the Nigerian Government to also come up with a national strategy on the issue of suicide. He also said the fight against suicide cannot be effectively done individually by any organization without the cooperation of the government. On the rising cases of suicide in Nigeria, Akinpelu advised that awareness programs should be taken to all parts of Nigeria. The International Director of APAS, Pastor Honey Olawale said many lives have been rescued by APAS since the inception of the project in Nigeria, reiterating the commitment of the organization to preventing suicide in Nigeria.