The executive director of Amaka Chiwuike-Uba Foundation (ACUF), Dr Chiwuike Uba, has alleged that government, society and religious organizations contribute to rising suicide cases across the country.
In a statement made available to Blueprint Wednesday, Uba said that many deaths through suicide would have been prevented if people in society showed a little concern or care to their neighbours when approached for help, even as he said that “many people in society turned away their depressed friends with very harsh and dehumanizing words when approached for help”.
He added that religious organizations are not any better, as “many churches and mosques are now more interested in tithes and offerings than they are interested in members’ welfare, while government remains highly insensitive”.
He said: “Nigeria is awash with news of suicides, involving both the young and aged. Experts and non-experts have come up with different reasons for suicide. Some blame the dead for not opening up to their families, loved ones and friends. I weep at such comments, because we are all pretenders. We present a public display of very caring people, even when we care less for our brothers, friends and families.
“We are more comfortable donating money for burials than we are to save lives. I am yet to unravel the puzzle. Obviously, some of the people who committed suicide may have approached some of us individually or collectively and were turned down. Sometimes, while reminding them of how lazy they are, were sent back with very harsh and dehumanizing words.
“Parents are now so busy to even recognise that their children crave and deserve their attention, care and love. Children are so disconnected with their parents, engaging in activities that break their parents’ hearts. Spouses are so busy to even meet their conjugal responsibilities to each other. Churches are more interested in tithes and offerings than they are interested in member’s welfare. The government and the leaders make things worse for the citizens; deriving higher satisfaction seeing them suffer more.
“Depression could be induced by rejection. While many have been rejected, others feel they have been rejected; whether rightly or wrongly. Ask yourself: Have I ever rejected someone I should have helped in life? If we are sincere to ourselves, we will attest to the fact that we have not fared well. Some of us spend fortunes on drinks and other frivolities, but wouldn’t render a help of less than N500 to a neighbour, brother or friend in need. No doubt, a friend in need could be a bloody nuisance. Yet, we cry to rooftops if the said brother and friend dies. Are we not so insincere and insensitive? Are we not guilty as charged? Indeed, we are all casualties.”
