I have always wanted to do something right from when I was conscious of some people living with mental challenges. I have a kind of deep compassion towards this people even while other kids of my age will make them objects of fun, pranks and childish plays.
Working with a hardworking Commissioner of the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, , Hon Mrs Bolanle Bola-Olorunsaiye Amupitan in 2016/2017 further exposed me to the world of the mentally challenged. I see a people almost totally neglected by the government and the society. Let us know that some found themselves in that class through no fault of theirs.
Government year in year out will make budgetary provisions for easily treatable diseases while leaving this people on the street with some displaying actions that portends danger and causing nuisance around public facilities with some endangering lives of others.
The latter was the case in a Yagba community yesterday when someone apparently with mental disorder hacked down an innocent girl to death before help could come. And what did the mob do? Justice like in the jungle. The boy too was sent to where he sent the innocent girl making it a two casualty incident within the small community.
How I wish we know that some of this disorder are treatable with drugs or periodic ingestion as the case may be. How I wish we know that we can prevent such occurrences by government rising to her responsibility of caring for all irrespective of class and state of health of body and physiology. To even say some of this ‘condemned’ to die in that state can be cared for, treated and some made useful for themselves and the society is another thing. It is by us accepting they exist. Even if we don’t truly love them, let us know they are threats around us.
The nonviolent ones abi? What about the children they fathered-mothered and nurture in that state under indecent circumstances and environment? Are we not nurturing and army that will see themselves as outcasts and could be readily available for vices?
I have shown love to many of such and it is clear that many are not totally irredeemable. On this, I have a big plan (still evolving) which I have gotten some kind people to key into. As God liveth, God will use us to touch many and make a difference. They can live well. They can live without endangering others.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
Oluwi Sesan.
Writes from Isanlu
05.10.21
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