By Promise Adagba
Suicide and Depression Awareness Foundation (SADAF) carried out an exercise to sensitize Akungba-Akoko society about suicide and depression on 3rd August.
The exercise which was titled: Walk against Suicide and Depression was embarked on to create awareness about the dangers of suicide and depression and how it can be prevented. Students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) trooped out with placards that read thus: Suicide is not the solution; Beware of Depression. In groups, they went from one place to another which included the market places in the community.
ECHO gathered that the society, especially the market women accepted and applauded the walk, being first of its kind in the community, a market woman who identified herself as Afusat said she was glad she had the opportunity of being enlightened about suicide and depression.
"We all know the rate of youths committing suicide nowadays, and it's worrisome especially in the university community where there is stress and pressure so we deem it important to do a kind of awareness against depression and suicide", said Olorunsanu Godspower, a student who participated in the walk.
Another participant, Oluwadamilola Oluwafemi, the president of the Nigerian Campus Journalist (NUCJ) AAUA Chapter opined that there is more to life than committing suicide.
“Just like the saying, ‘when there is life, there is hope’, only the living can achieve the purpose of being here on earth. One thing some people fail to know is committing suicide (killing oneself) is not only a crime against the law of the country, but a sin that we tried to let the people know.
" The aim of staging the walk is to reduce the level at which people commit suicide by orientating and providing them with information on what suicide is as it has no positive effect," said Oluwadamilola.
The State Coordinator of SADAF, Samuel Abodunrin said the walk is aimed at creating awareness about suicide and depression and also, educating people on the need to keep hope alive.
In his words, "we were able to talk to people one-on-one and some of them poured out their minds on this issue and we were able to bring back hope in them by Gods grace.
"Also, our movement was filled with speakers who could speak to motivate people out of depression, and also our different banners bear inscriptions which are enough messages to the populace to desist from committing suicide and depression."
"Feedbacks from after the walk from people who were able to reach us confirmed that our goal was achieved."
Samuel Abodunrin who is a 400 level student of mass communication department in AAUA appreciated all the participants and sponsors of the walk.
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