Whilst studies revealed that over 19% of adults struggle
with their mental health every year, a majority of those affected are reluctant
to speak-out and seek help for fear of stigmatisation, UBA Foundation, through
the panel discussion, sought to address the challenges that individuals are
facing and how it has now become important to create consciousness and
prioritise the general well-being of employees and clients.
UBA’s Group Managing Director, Kennedy Uzoka, delivered a
good will message at the event emphasising the importance of wellness and
mental health. He stressed the need for more organisations to ensure that the
mental health of their staff and families are taken more seriously.
He said, “UBA has always engaged in a lot of ground-breaking
initiatives and the issue of mental health is important to us. We have found
that people do not want to talk about mental health because they think it is
bad, but the truth is that you can only get good productive people when
challenges like these are addressed and I am so happy that this has commenced
here. “
The panel was moderated by the Managing Director/Chief
Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, who spoke about UBA’s goal to
remain the best place to work. She noted that the bank is addressing these
issues and championing the narrative that says that mental health issues
shouldn’t be swept under the carpet.
“We want to create a
workplace environment where people feel comfortable and encouraged to seek help
when necessary, so that they can give the best of themselves in their
respective roles. We hope to stomp out the stigma that keeps people suffering
in silence and bridge the gap between mental health inclusivity, support and recovery
in Africa,” Atta who is also UBA’s Group Head Corporate Communications,
explained.
The panellists, UBA’s Group Head, Human Resources, Patricia
Aderibigbe, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, BTH Therapy, Chris Abojei,
Co-founder Africa’s Health Matters Foundation,
Vanessa Adebayo and Angel Yinkore all
agreed that wellness, especially at the workplace, has become a front burning
issue and should be well addressed.
Atta announced the partnership with UBA Foundation and
Inside Out as part of the weeklong activities to shine some light on mental
health. Inside Out aims at teaching
youths to channel their feelings through art expression and photography. She
added that staff members would be able to benefit from free therapy sessions
from BHT Therapy and many wellness giveaways such as spa and fitness vouchers.
Another major highlight of the week will be an intimate
discussion with the Founder, Genevieve Magazine, Betty Irabor, on Thursday,
November 11th, where she will share insights around her personal journey and
the realities of balancing life, family, and mental health.
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