From left: Assistant Pastor in charge of Province 17, Pastor Olawale Akosile; Elder in RCCG, Pastor Jide Ayegbusi; Convener, Christian Leadership Empowerment Summit, Pastor Adekunle Olusanya; Representative of Lagos First Lady, Mrs Deborah Suarau; Medical Director, New Haven Specialist Hospital Magodo Phase 1, Prof. Oyetunde Alagbe; and Keynote speaker, Bishop Femi Soneye at the Christian Leadership Empowerment Summit in Lagos on Wednesday.
Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has identified rising cases of depression in Nigeria as a monster that must attract interventions from government, professionals and laymen alike before it wrecks havoc on homes and eventually the society at large.
Sanwo-Olu who made the observation as Mother of the Day at this year’s Annual Christian Leadership Empowerment Summit, an annual gathering of multi – dimensional ministers of the Gospel of Christ and their leaders across a broad spectrum of the Nigerian Christianity in Lagos, said the church has a unique role to play in combating epidemic of depression.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Mrs Deborah Suara, said :”In these challenging times, it is crucial that we come together as a community and as Christians to support those who are suffering from depression and to foster an environment of understanding and healing.
“Depression is a silent battle that many individuals face on a daily basis. It knows no boundaries, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. It can be debilitating, isolating, and overwhelming. However, we believe that there is hope, and that hope can be found within the walls of the church.
“The church has a unique role to play in combating the epidemic of depression, being a place of solace, a sanctuary where individuals can find comfort, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Within the church community, we have the opportunity to create a safe space for open conversations about mental health, destigmatizing depression, and encouraging individuals to seek help.
“In view of this, we must combat this monster not only from the spiritual angle through prayers but also by offering medical assistance and counseling where necessary and by providing resources and trained professionals, we can offer a helping hand to those in need.
“Through support groups, pastoral care, and prayer, we can offer a holistic approach to healing, addressing not only the emotional and psychological aspects of depression but also the spiritual well-being of individuals”..
Sanwo-Olu however stresses that it is not enough for the church to act alone, saying collaboration is key, hence the need for professionals and government to offer institutional support.
“We must work hand in hand with healthcare professionals, mental health organizations, and government agencies to create a comprehensive support system. By joining forces, we can ensure that those battling depression receive the care, understanding, and resources they deserve.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Convener of the Summit, Pastor Adekunle Olusanya, said the reason for choosing this year’s theme ” The Epidemic of Depression: The Role of the Church”, was to allow Christian leaders across the country to react to the impression being created by many people that the leadership of the Church is not moved by the harrowing consequences of depression as it affects the people who they are called to shepherd by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Olusanya said, ” we, the Christian leaders have to redefine our perception of ministry and re-engineer our ministerial strategies on a way that would put Nigeria on an even keel.”.
Other Clerics and Christian leaders that spoke on ways of combating depression at the summit included Presiding Bishop, Miraclebreed Assembly, Ajah, Lagos , Bishop Femi Soneye; a Christian Counselor and Life Coach, Dr Blessing Ayemhere among others.
