{
  "id": 14264880,
  "title": "Osun: Police urge officers to prioritise mental health, seek support",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/osun-police-urge-officers-to-prioritise-mental-health-seek-support",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-13T18:30:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/13/osun-police-urge-officers-to-prioritise-mental-health-seek-support/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Osun State Police Command has called upon its officers to prioritize their mental health and seek professional assistance as needed to enhance both their well-being and the quality of service they provide. During a mental health awareness lecture held to commemorate World Mental Health Day, the Head of the Police Hospital, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr. Iyiola Ogundimite, emphasized the significance of mental well-being for effective policing. The event, organized to raise awareness and support personnel, was one of several initiatives by the Nigeria Police Force to educate its members about the importance of mental health. Dr. Ogundimite explained that police officers frequently encounter stressful situations, security concerns, emergency responses, and other occupational pressures that can impact their psychological and emotional health. He added, \"The awareness program aims to promote mental well-being, enhance emotional resilience, and improve the overall effectiveness of police personnel in the execution of their duties.\"\n\nDr. T. Ayantola, a psychiatrist from the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta, Ogun State, highlighted key strategies for maintaining good mental health. These include stress management, ensuring adequate rest, fostering healthy relationships, and establishing peer support networks. Dr. Ayantola also stressed the importance of early identification of symptoms of psychological distress, urging officers to seek help from qualified mental health professionals when necessary. The participants were encouraged to offer support to colleagues facing mental health issues while avoiding stigmatization of those in need of psychological or emotional assistance.\n\nThe Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Zungura, reiterated the Force's commitment to recognizing mental health awareness as an integral component of police welfare. Zungura noted that officers who maintain good mental and emotional health are better equipped to fulfill their constitutional duties effectively while respecting citizens' fundamental rights. He encouraged all personnel to adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain a proper work-life balance, assuring them that the command remains dedicated to promoting their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. This commitment, Zungura emphasized, is crucial for enhancing service delivery and ensuring public safety.",
  "summary": "The Osun State Police Command has urged its personnel to prioritise their mental health and seek professional support whenever necessary to improve their well-being and service delivery. The Head of the Police Hospital, Osun State Police Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr Iyiola Ogundimite, made the call during a mental health awareness lecture organised for officers to…",
  "key_points": [
    "Osun Police urge officers to prioritize mental health and seek support",
    "Mental health awareness lecture held to commemorate World Mental Health Day",
    "Strategies include stress management, adequate rest, healthy relationships"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}