Omipidan urges Nigerians to speak out on suicide prevention
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Founder and Initiator of the Euthanasia Prevention Initiative, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Prof. Bashiru Adeniyi Omipidan, has called for greater awareness, compassion and open conversations as part of efforts to prevent suicide and promote hope among people facing difficult circumstances.
Prof. Omipidan made the call last Thursday (September 10, 2026), in a message commemorating the World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10.
Quoting South African cleric and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Desmond Tutu, who said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness,” Prof. Omipidan said that the occasion provides an opportunity to pause, listen and remember that behind every statistic is a human being with a story, struggles and people who care about them.
He noted that life could become challenging, stressing that many people endure emotional pain while continuing with their daily activities, including going to work and interacting with others.
According to Prof. Omipidan, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Law, “this makes it important for society to initiate conversations about suicide and mental distress rather than allowing shame and silence to prevent people from seeking or receiving help.
“Prevention begins with awareness, compassion, and connection. We do not have to wait until someone is at their lowest point to care,” he said.
He advocated the creation of supportive environments where people can speak about their difficulties without fear of judgment, ridicule or being dismissed with statements such as “just be strong.”
The Dean who is also a former Director of the Centre for Open and Distance Learning, also emphasised that helping someone does not always require having the right answers, adding that sometimes, offering a listening ear and reassuring words could make a significant difference.
“Sometimes, it starts with saying, ‘I am here. You can talk to me,’” he said.
Prof. Omipidan also urged individuals going through difficult moments not to lose hope, assuring them that overwhelming feelings and circumstances can change.
He called on members of the public to replace silence with conversation, judgment with compassion and isolation with support, stressing that every life matters.
Prof. Omipindan reaffirmed the opposition to suicide by the organisation, urging people facing difficult circumstances to embrace patience, prayers and available support.
