By Aaior K. Comfort

A remarkable initiative by former federal lawmaker Hon. Onadeko Onamusi and the South-Westshire Health Trust has resulted in the successful rehabilitation and reunion of 409 mentally challenged individuals with their families.

Located in Itele, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, the South-Westshire Health Trust, co-founded by Onamusi, is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of destitute and mentally challenged persons. The facility currently houses 168 in-patients, including individuals of various ages dealing with issues such as drug addiction and mental illness. Onamusi, driven by his passion for uplifting the less privileged, aims to replicate this facility across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, in collaboration with relevant government agencies.

Hon. Onamusi’s commitment to supporting the needy stems from his extensive experience in mental healthcare, including a two-year stint abroad, and his late father’s example of compassion for the less fortunate. Since its establishment, South-Westshire Health Trust has received over 600 in-patients since 2017, with 409 successfully rehabilitated and returned to their families.

The facility features three male wards and two female wards, staffed by over 22 personnel, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses. However, the center faces challenges, including the refusal of some families to take back rehabilitated individuals, leading to resource constraints.

Onamusi shared a poignant example of Gloria Ekong, rescued from the streets with her children, whose family declined to accept her back, placing additional burdens on the facility. Despite these challenges, the Trust remains committed to its mission, aiming to establish additional facilities throughout Nigeria to better serve those in need.

In addition to providing rehabilitation, Onamusi has secured equipment for vocational training in various trades, although infrastructure limitations have hindered progress. He believes that expanding the facility network will enhance accessibility for patients and families across different regions.

The journey began when Onamusi discovered a vagrant mentally ill man, Oladehinbo, at a Nigeria Customs Service checkpoint in 2017. After intervening and facilitating treatment for him and two others, Onamusi recognized the urgent need for a dedicated rehabilitation center. This led to the establishment of the South-Westshire Health Trust.

Onamusi advocates for increased attention to mental health and urges families to seek professional help for loved ones exhibiting concerning behaviors. He emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention for better recovery outcomes.

Despite facing a lack of financial support from government entities, there is hope for future assistance. Recently, officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) visited the facility, expressing interest in providing medications and support. Onamusi is optimistic that collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will further enhance the Trust’s efforts.

With support from these organizations, Onamusi envisions establishing facilities capable of accommodating thousands of mentally challenged individuals across Nigeria, ultimately providing them with the care and support they deserve.

A remarkable initiative by former federal lawmaker Hon. Onadeko Onamusi and the South-Westshire Health Trust has resulted in the successful rehabilitation and reunion of 409 mentally challenged individuals with their families.

Located in Itele, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, the South-Westshire Health Trust, co-founded by Onamusi, is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of destitute and mentally challenged persons. The facility currently houses 168 in-patients, including individuals of various ages dealing with issues such as drug addiction and mental illness. Onamusi, driven by his passion for uplifting the less privileged, aims to replicate this facility across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, in collaboration with relevant government agencies.

Hon. Onamusi’s commitment to supporting the needy stems from his extensive experience in mental healthcare, including a two-year stint abroad, and his late father’s example of compassion for the less fortunate. Since its establishment, South-Westshire Health Trust has received over 600 in-patients since 2017, with 409 successfully rehabilitated and returned to their families.

The facility features three male wards and two female wards, staffed by over 22 personnel, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses. However, the center faces challenges, including the refusal of some families to take back rehabilitated individuals, leading to resource constraints.

Onamusi shared a poignant example of Gloria Ekong, rescued from the streets with her children, whose family declined to accept her back, placing additional burdens on the facility. Despite these challenges, the Trust remains committed to its mission, aiming to establish additional facilities throughout Nigeria to better serve those in need.

In addition to providing rehabilitation, Onamusi has secured equipment for vocational training in various trades, although infrastructure limitations have hindered progress. He believes that expanding the facility network will enhance accessibility for patients and families across different regions.

The journey began when Onamusi discovered a vagrant mentally ill man, Oladehinbo, at a Nigeria Customs Service checkpoint in 2017. After intervening and facilitating treatment for him and two others, Onamusi recognized the urgent need for a dedicated rehabilitation center. This led to the establishment of the South-Westshire Health Trust.

Onamusi advocates for increased attention to mental health and urges families to seek professional help for loved ones exhibiting concerning behaviors. He emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention for better recovery outcomes.

Despite facing a lack of financial support from government entities, there is hope for future assistance. Recently, officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) visited the facility, expressing interest in providing medications and support. Onamusi is optimistic that collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will further enhance the Trust’s efforts.

With support from these organizations, Onamusi envisions establishing facilities capable of accommodating thousands of mentally challenged individuals across Nigeria, ultimately providing them with the care and support they deserve.