Dare Akinrodoye, a Nigerian professional swimmer has swam the complete 11-kilometre size of the Lagos third mainland bridge to lift consciousness about psychological well being points widespread amongst youths.
Referred to as Coach Dreh, the swimming teacher launched into a daring mission on the morning of Saturday, March 30, 2024. Along with his shut teammates, supporters, members of the press, and essential medical workers by his facet, Coach Dreh plunged into the water at roughly 9:28 am. He swam constantly for 2 hours and 33 minutes, carrying out his journey.
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Upon being pulled out of the water, Coach Dreh appeared bodily drained but radiated a way of fulfilment. Earlier than his endeavour, he had met with Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Sports activities, who expressed the federal government’s backing for Coach Dreh’s noble trigger.
Earlier than embarking on his journey, Coach Dreh had shared his intention on Instagram to supply help and steerage to these grappling with psychological well being points and ideas of suicide. He emphasised, “In a world the place psychological well being struggles can really feel isolating, we lengthen hope and a serving to hand, demonstrating that nobody is alone of their battle with psychological well being challenges and suicidal ideation.”
Latest analysis revealed in 2021 revealed Nigeria as having the very best fee of despair in Africa, with the nation rating fifteenth globally by way of suicide frequency. Shockingly, Nigeria, regardless of its giant inhabitants, has lower than 150 psychiatrists, leaving fewer than 10% of mentally unwell people with entry to mandatory care. In 2023, Nigeria was recognized because the fifth most suicide-prone nation globally, with roughly 15,000 out of each 100,000 circumstances of psychological illness-related deaths worldwide.