News
Psychiatrist links rising depression, suicide to social media
By Francesca Hangeior
A Consultant Neuro-psychiatrist and Medical Director of Pinnacle Medical Services in Lagos, Dr Maymunah Kadiri, has attributed the increasing rates of depression and suicide, particularly among youths, to the pervasive influence of social media.
Kadiri highlighted the significant role social media plays in mental health issues, alongside other contributing factors such as environmental stressors, relationship challenges, life struggles, and inadequate parenting.
“Social media gives us that picture of a perfect life; so, people will want to be like those they see on the internet and also want to live perfect lives.
“It is so unfortunate because social media has no rules or regulations, and so you cannot really curtail how people use social media and what direction they follow,” she explained.
Kadiri observed that many youths, especially those without constructive engagements, often fall prey to the illusion of perfection depicted online, leading to restlessness and a sense of inadequacy.
She noted that social media often promotes exaggerated or unrealistic portrayals of success and happiness, which fuels feelings of inadequacy among users.
“To these set of people, everything they see on the internet is expected to be real, reliable, and practicable. Unfortunately, not everything posted on social media is realistic; people exaggerate issues to suit their desires,” she added.
The doctor also expressed concern over the addictive nature of social media, emphasising that many individuals have become so attached to their phones that they cannot spend a minute without scrolling through online platforms.
The neuro-psychiatrist stressed the urgent need for educational campaigns to raise awareness about the potential mental health impacts of social media.
“When you know better, you have to do better for yourself and society. We need to keep teaching society that not everything seen out there is real,” she said.
She further warned that social media has inadvertently provided a platform where individuals can learn methods of self-harm, exacerbating the risk of suicide.
While acknowledging the positive aspects of social media, the doctor lamented its misuse by many users who focus solely on projecting exaggerated strengths and achievements.
“Social media is a good technological innovation but has been used by many people to exaggerate their strengths and achievements rather than a combination of strengths and weaknesses,” she remarked.
She urged individuals to be more discerning about what they consume online and emphasised the importance of balancing time spent on social media with real-life connections and activities to safeguard mental well-being.
Honourable Paul Sunday Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives, has fulfilled his promise to illuminate communities in Isi Uzo Local Government Area.
The lawmaker has just begun the deployment of high-density solar-powered street lights in Ikem Nkwo, marking the beginning of a massive rollout of the street lamps across the communities in Isi Uzo.
This initiative, which started in Enugu East Local Government Area in 2024, aims to support the fight against insecurity in the state which according to him was to add to what Chief Security Officer of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mba had done to secure the state to attracts foreign investments.
The lawmaker expressed concern over banditry attacks, particularly by herdsmen, in some communities within Isi Uzo and Enugu East Local Government Areas in the recent pasts.
He believes that illuminating these areas with high-density street lights would help address the insecurity adding that he was prioritizing border and farming communities in Isi Uzo, where banditry has displaced residents and restricted farming activities.
Communities in Ikem, Eha-Amufu in Isi Uzo which borders Enugu and Benue State and Ugwogo-Nike in Enugu East have been vulnerable to these attacks due to their strategic locations.
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has extended warm wishes to Nigerian workers as the country marks the 2025 edition of International Workers’ Day.
Kalu praised workers across various sectors for their commitment and resilience, describing them as the engine that keeps the nation moving. He acknowledged their sacrifices and unrelenting drive, especially during tough economic times.
In his message, he highlighted the efforts of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu to improve the welfare of public servants. He referenced the National Assembly’s prompt backing of the new minimum wage as a sign of the government’s seriousness about workers’ wellbeing.
The Deputy Speaker appealed for continued patience and understanding from Nigerians, noting that the ongoing economic reforms, while challenging, are designed to bring long-term relief and prosperity.
Kalu also called for unity, and said the country can only overcome its present difficulties if citizens and leaders work together in good faith.
He therefore urged workers to keep the faith and remain steadfast in their duties, assuring them that brighter days are on the horizon, and wished Nigerian workers a peaceful and fulfilling May Day celebration.
The Osun State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has received thousands of decampees from the All Progressives Congress and other political parties into its fold.
The decampees, who are mostly from the Omisore Youth Support Forum (OYSF) joined the party at a ceremony held at party secretariat in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, on Wednesday.
The were received by the Chairman of the PDP in Osun, Hon. Sunday Bisi, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuff and other party leader.
While receiving the decampees, Bisi renamed the group as Adeleke Youth Support Forum (AYSF) as they declared their support for Adeleke’s 2026 re-election bid.
One of the leaders of the decampees, Mr Francis Fasogbon said they were “inspired by the good governance delivered by Governor Ademola Adeleke”.
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