Pyrates Confraternity Leads Mental Health Revolution in Awka with Five-Day Wellness Drive

 

Awka, Anambra State – In a country increasingly strained by economic hardship and social instability, two decks of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), the Honduras Deck and the Blizzard Deck, have partnered with Nedal Psychological Clinic, Awka, to deliver a beacon of hope: a five-day mental health outreach, focused on tackling the silent epidemic of mental illness in the state.

Timed to coincide with the 2025 World Mental Health Day celebrations, the event ran from April 3 to April 7, themed “Mental Health Fair: Guarding Our Future and Protecting Youth’s Minds.” It began with a radio awareness session on Unizik FM and culminated with another broadcast on ABS Radio, sandwiching five intensive days of free psychological screening, counselling, and consultation services at Pearl Suites on Ifite Road, Awka.

Dr. Vincent Onwughalu, Capoon of the Honduras Deck, described the initiative as a deliberate intervention designed to expand access to mental health support in an environment where such care remains woefully underprioritized.

“In our country today, people are overwhelmed by the weight of hardship, and mental wellness is being battered,” Onwughalu stated. “This initiative is not just about awareness but direct intervention. For individuals identified as needing critical help, especially those whose conditions go beyond routine concerns, we have made arrangements to escalate them to Nedal Psychological Clinic for continuous care.”

The outreach offered more than surface-level interaction. Through rigorous assessments and structured counselling, at least ten individuals were flagged for specialized follow-up, while many more left with new tools for resilience. According to Onwughalu, the broader goal is long-term: “As long as anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation continue to plague our society, we will continue to respond through events like this.”

He also extended an invitation to other organisations that share a vision of inclusivity and social equity, encouraging them to collaborate in future mental health drives.

Reinforcing the importance of the initiative, Prof. Nnaemeka Abamara, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and MD of Nedal Psychological Clinic, underscored the need for cultural shifts in the way Nigerians perceive and address mental health.

“Many don’t realize that mental health is a cornerstone of general health,” Abamara said. “From economic distress to drug abuse, people face overwhelming burdens. Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are not random — they are symptomatic of a deeper societal ailment.”

He encouraged individuals to engage in practical self-care routines such as rest, exercise, mindfulness, and the occasional break from relentless work cycles. “You can't pour from an empty cup,” he warned, urging citizens to stop romanticizing overwork and instead prioritize psychological wellbeing.

Vincent Uwukhor, Second Mate of Blizzard Deck, added that community-based health initiatives like this are essential in bridging the widening health care gap. “There’s a stark lack of access to preventative health resources,” he noted. “We’re taking services to the streets — from blood pressure screenings to mental wellness education — to ensure no one is left behind.”

For Emmanuel Udeh, Project Officer and Second Mate of the Honduras Deck, the initiative was born from growing alarm over rising stress, depression, and suicide attempts, particularly among students and academics.

“Waiting for a disaster before acting would be irresponsible,” Udeh said. “We chose to be proactive. Mental health care must not be reactive. It must be preventative, and this project is a testament to that philosophy.”

He praised the courage of participants who came forward to share their experiences, and commended Nedal Clinic for its commitment to healing.

With the curtain drawn on the five-day event, one thing is clear: the Pyrates Confraternity is charting a bold course in public mental health advocacy — and the tide may finally be turning.