All of a sudden, Nigeria is faced with increasing cases of young men and women of all ages taking their lives. What hitherto was a taboo in our world, unfortunately, is gradually becoming a norm, whereby people freely commit suicide, either owing to one flimsy excuse or unfounded societal pressure; and the number continues to soar. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), quoting newspaper reports, no fewer than 79 persons were reported to have committed suicide in Nigeria in 2022 alone, comprising 70 males and 9 females. Same report confirmed that Nigeria has the highest rate of suicide cases in Africa and sixth in the world, with over 17,000 lives lost to suicide.
It is worrisome that this situation is not abating, given what we hear and read on radio, television and newspapers. The latest suicide case being that of 32-year old banker, Amarachi Ogochukwu, who worked with one of the new generation banks, located at Ikorodu in Lagos. That the lady ended it all right in the premises of her office, should be a matter of concern to everyone, our institutions and the authorities. Questions must be asked, why a lady, who was gainfully employed in today’s Nigeria, where millions are roaming the street in search of work should take her life?
Was she put under pressure by her employers, which is usually the case with bank workers who are expected to meet daily, weekly and monthly targets? Was there a case of sexual harassment, given what our ladies go through in the hands of some of the menfolk, especially their bosses in the office? Also, was it a case of family pressure because she was unmarried at the age of 32? Can it also be attributed to the influence of the social media, since people freely do things believing that they are not accountable to anyone anymore? Could it also be a case of lifestyle, since prosperity messages are all over the place, and not messages of hope and patience anymore?
The surge in the number of suicide cases, regrettably, cannot be separated from the failure of a government that has repeatedly failed in providing the basic needs for the people. Virtually, all institutions and agencies of government, including churches and mosques are working at variance and not really preaching the message of hope to the people. Situations like this are allowed to fester, only for government to wake up very late when things have degenerated. It was in like manner that Boko Haram and banditry reared their ugly heads that have become an albatross and existential threat to the country. For somebody to wake up to take his/her own life is not normal. It is a wakeup call that the issue of mental health should be taken seriously to avert this ugly trend.
And another way to achieve this is to preach message of hope by religious bodies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) that fight, seek and protect the rights and privileges of individuals and groups in the society. Going forward, we want to feel the impact of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in the society. The agency should not stand aloof at a time like this. Everyone should be their brothers’ or sisters’ keeper, encouraging one another. The youths should also realise that not everything on the social media should be taken hook, line and sinker. Those who feel the life they are living solely belongs to them should have a rethink.
There are consequences for every action, whether right or wrong. The life we live is not ours, it belongs to God. Those who think that there is no God are toying with their souls. Life is sacred, and it belongs to God. Questions about how one lived his or her life will be asked if not now, but certainly in the hereafter. That Amarachi Ogochukwu, according to her suicide note, blamed her action on societal pressure, should be a source of worry, not only for the society, but the family and the institution she served. We therefore, call on the government to monitor closely the operations in the banking sector, and other institutions, to ensure that the lives of Nigerians are not in danger. We also call on employers of labour, families, friends and well-wishers to be their brother’s keeper, to forestall a repeat of Amarachi’s episode.
