The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, stressing that suicide is preventable.
Speaking in Dutse during the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day, Jigawa State NOA Director, Ahmad Tijjani, said the campaign aimed to raise awareness and remind people to support those at risk.
World Suicide Prevention Day, marked annually on September 10, focuses on global action against suicidal behaviours while encouraging communities to address mental health challenges.
Tijjani noted that over 720,000 lives are lost to suicide globally each year, leaving families and communities devastated. He urged Nigerians to check in on loved ones, friends, and neighbours, saying, “Sometimes, a simple question can save a life.”
The NOA director advised people to listen without judgment, show patience, and encourage those struggling to seek help from doctors, counsellors, or hotlines. He also stressed the importance of sharing information about where support can be found.
“Use words that heal. Your kindness and care can bring hope. World Suicide Prevention Day is not only about remembrance but also about hope. Let us stand together against stigma and show that every life matters,” Tijjani added.
