A good governance, human rights and social justice advocacy group, Youth Advocates for Peace, Justice and Empowerment Network (YAPJEN), has carried out a walk against suicide in Anambra State.

The sensitisation and walk which had as theme #inspirehope #stopsuicide, began from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University School gate, Ifite, through to Arroma Junction and Government House Awka in the state capital. The advocacy group whose members came out en masse to raise the awareness for the sudden increase in the rate of suicide, amongst the Nigerian youths, sensitised and educated the citizens against giving in to depression and why reasons to aspire for greatness, and holding their dreams at high esteem.

Briefing newsmen at the event, the Executive Director of YAPJEN, Amb Timothy Nwachukwu, told the youths not to give up on their dreams, and condemned the act of young people taking their own lives, stating: “Suicide is not an option, don’t allow depression to ruin your dreams, the nation needs you. Your family loves you, suicide is not an option.”

He identified depression and frustration as some of the reasons why young people take their lives while recounting that over 13 young people and 42 others have committed suicide in the last six months in Nigeria. He called on the government to provide certificate-backed loans to jobless undergraduates, promote sporting activities that will discourage suicidal attempts, create jobs, provide basic amenities and other essential facilities to make life meaningful for the average Nigerian.

Also speaking, the group’s public relations officer, Udochukwu Ofomata, reiterated on the youths not to give up on their dreams by saying no to depression but to live their dreams, stressing: “Our message is very clear. The Youths should say no to depression and stand up to live their dreams.”

He further called on the government to have a dedicated phone line for the depressed and a counseling center in designated places across the country; end hunger, provide certificate bagged loans, and reduce tuition fees and the cost of education for the poor. Sporting activities should also be promoted and other activities geared towards the development of the Nigerian youth.

Speaking to newsmen, the President of Rotaract Unizik, Rotarian Solomon Nwojiji, called on the relevant agencies of the state government to rise to the occasion and stem the growing rate of suicide prevalent among the youths.

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