In a bid to promote mental well-being and raise awareness about the significance of mental health, the Rotary Club District 9125, Zone 1, successfully organized an event titled “MENTAL HEALTH: A PATHWAY TO WELLBEING.” This significant event took place at the Occupational Therapy Unit of the Psychiatric Department of the University College Hospital in Ibadan.
The initiative, which focused on leveraging the therapeutic benefits of indoor games to enhance patients’ quality of life, saw the donation of various game materials. These tools are designed to serve not only as a means of entertainment but also as integral components in therapeutic activities, fostering wellbeing and community among patients.
The event was marked by the presence of notable Rotarians, including the media manager of the committee, Rtn. Tunji Afolayan, who represented Past District Governor Olusoji Ijidale, the chairman of the District Mental Health Initiatives Committee. A warm welcome speech by Rtn. Afolayan kicked off the proceedings, where he extended gratitude towards the Zone 1 coordinator, Rtn. Bose Olanusi, and Oyo State Coordinator, Rotn. Abolade Ipadeola, for their dedication to making the program a reality.
Dr. Oladele, representing the University teaching hospital staff, expressed profound thanks for the donated items, emphasizing their role as essential therapeutic resources that engage patients’ mental and intellectual faculties. He also voiced hope for continued support from the Rotary Club, highlighting the positive impacts such collaborations can yield.
Highlighting future plans, Rtn. Olufunmilayo Ogunbanwo announced an upcoming partnership with the Occupational Therapy Unit to commemorate World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024. This collaboration aims to deepen the conversation on mental health issues and expand support networks for those affected.
PAG Abiola Ogunbanwo also spoke at the event, praising Rotarians as “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” He drew attention to the broad impact of Rotary’s community-focused initiatives, including the Akogun Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Rtn. Bolade Ipadeola, who expressed gratitude to the Occupational Therapy Unit staff for hosting the event and reiterated Rotary’s commitment to community support. Ipadeola confirmed the forthcoming donation of a table tennis board, fulfilling the final request from the unit’s needs assessment, to be presented during the World Mental Health Day celebrations.
Among the attendees were several distinguished Rotarians from various clubs in Ibadan, including Rtn. Wuraola Oluwaseun and Rtn. Omowunmi Adeyemo from RC Oluyole Estate Ibadan, as well as members from RC Ibadan Pathfinder and RC Ibadan Orita mefa, Rtn. Tolulope Akinleye, Rtn. Abdul Niyi and Rtn. Temi.
The “MENTAL HEALTH: A PATHWAY TO WELLBEING” event not only underscored the therapeutic importance of indoor games in mental health care but also reinforced the Rotary Club’s role in fostering a supportive community environment.
