Edo seeks federal hospital partnership on mental health rehabilitation

By Osayi Aghahowa

The Edo State Government has initiated engagement with the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin, to strengthen treatment and rehabilitation for mentally ill persons rescued from streets, including deportee Peter Guobadia.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, said the initiative formed part of sustained efforts to improve coordination with mental health institutions caring for vulnerable rescued individuals statewide.

Abdallah said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Benin.

She said discussions with the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital were exploring improved access to professional treatment for affected persons, emphasising that no formal collaboration agreement had yet been concluded between both parties.

Abdallah said stronger support from non-governmental organisations, development partners, and community stakeholders was needed to address the growing number of mentally ill persons found in public spaces across Edo.

She said existing rehabilitation facilities remained limited and overstretched, emphasising the need for sustained interventions to remove vulnerable individuals from streets and provide appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

The commissioner cited Peter Guobadia’s case as part of ongoing interventions, explaining that rehabilitation would precede efforts to trace his relatives and facilitate possible reintegration into society following successful recovery.

Guobadia, 53, an indigene of Benin deported from the United States, was discovered along Airport Road after concerned residents alerted authorities over his condition, prompting immediate intervention by government officials.

“He reportedly exhibited signs of mental distress before authorities placed him in protective custody and referred him to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for immediate intervention and rehabilitation.

“Before admission, Guobadia said he had lived in the United States for several years and was deported after spending time in a rehabilitation facility before returning to Nigeria permanently.

“He, however, said he could not immediately recall his family members or home address in Benin, making efforts to reconnect him with relatives more difficult following his deportation recently.”

Ministry officials subsequently admitted Guobadia for medical evaluation and rehabilitation as part of ongoing government efforts aimed at restoring his health before commencing family tracing and possible social reintegration processes.

Head of Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Osaretin Owie, said the hospital remained ready to support the Edo government’s engagement on treatment and rehabilitation of mentally ill persons rescued statewide.

He said, “All admissions into the facility must follow proper clinical assessment, referral documentation and confirmation of medical stability in line with established procedures.”

Owie said the hospital had previously identified areas for technical collaboration with relevant agencies, including staff training, improved case management, and strengthened community mental health support across Edo and beyond.