A newly established Specialist Hospital for the rehabilitation of drug addicts, Minds Medica, has been commissioned in Ondo City, with a pledge that the facility will serve humanity rather than operate as a profit-driven venture.
The founder, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, while addressing journalists at the hospital complex located at No. 11, Avenue 13A, Road 13, Funbi Fagun Estate, explained that the vision of the centre is to restore mental soundness among men and women, especially those battling with substance abuse.
Dr. Adeyeye stressed that although the hospital would operate under strict medical protocols, it was designed to be affordable and accessible to people across all socioeconomic classes.
He added that patients would not only be placed on admission during treatment and rehabilitation but would also be adequately fed at a manageable cost.
“Our primary focus is to rid our society of any form of abuse in what our people consume. Bring back to normal life those who are already addicted to drugs or any form of illicit substance.
Minds Medica is not for profit making but it must be run sustainably. In fact, pretty soon, Minds Medica Foundation will soon be inaugurated to help source the needed funds to care for patients who are either indigent or neglected,” he declared.
Co-founder of the hospital and Professor of Medicine, Prof. Olufunke Adeyeye, said her family remained committed to investing in the wellbeing of people and uplifting humanity. She urged religious bodies, families, and concerned Nigerians to join forces with Minds Medica in the campaign against illicit drug use that has left many young people vulnerable.
“We must bring our youths back to sanity if our country must make progress. As we all know, it is when a person is sound in mind that he can be productive,” Professor Adeyeye declared.
In his goodwill message, the Ondo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Nanzing Daniel Sallah, pledged that his command would continue to frustrate drug traffickers and make the trade unprofitable for perpetrators.
A U.S.-based psychiatrist, Dr. Dute Gbadehan, also commended Dr. Adeyeye and his wife for their dedication to the welfare of the people of Ondo City and beyond.
Similarly, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, lauded the couple’s relentless commitment to the development of the city and humanity, assuring that the palace would support the fight against drug abuse.
Also speaking, the Bishop of Ondo Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Stephen Adeniran Oni, admonished Nigerians to honour God with their bodies and promised the church’s continued role in guiding people towards righteousness and sanity.
Chairman of Ondo West Local Government, Hon. Ayotunde Akinfolarin, praised Dr. Adeyeye for deploying both his medical expertise and political experience in serving the people of the community.
Delivering a lecture titled The Burden of Mental Health Disorders and Drug Addiction, Dr. Dokun Adedeji warned that drug-induced illness is destroying Nigeria’s economic fabric and noted that mental health disorders affect between 25% and 30% of Nigerians, which translates to about 50 million people.
Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who performed the commissioning, described the hospital as a bold and remarkable initiative that would transform mental healthcare and drug addiction rehabilitation in the state.
“The establishment of Minds Medica is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye. His personal encounter and subsequent research have led to the creation of this magnificent institution, which promises to redefine mental healthcare and drug addiction rehabilitation in our State,” the governor said.
The event attracted several dignitaries, professional groups, and community leaders, who witnessed the unveiling of the facility, the first mental health rehabilitation centre in Ondo State.
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