Rochas Okorocha calls for creation of Ministry of Happiness to tackle suicide
Former Imo state governor now serving senator, Rochas Okorocha, has called on the Federal government to as a matter of urgency, establish the Ministry of Happiness to tackle the rising incidence of suicide in the country.
The former governor who made news in 2017 after he created the Ministry of Happiness whilst he was still governor of Imo state, made the call during plenary today July 9th. He was contributing to a motion sponsored by Senator Theodore Orji on the rising incidence of suicides amongst Nigerians.
Speaking on the floor of the senate, Okorocha said
“Mr Senate President, may I suggest that whether it’s the issue of rape, suicide, let us create a department to address these issues. Ministry of health is not up to that, Police is not equipped for that, the Ministry of Information is not equipped for that, we must have a department where people can go and express themselves, that ministry must be a ministry or department of happiness. All our prayers appear to me as though we are embarking on academic exercise that might not reflect any practical reality. A step should be further taken to find out why these people are not happy to the extent that they will take their life.
I think a department should be created to look into this issue. When I did create the Ministry of Happiness, it was perhaps the most misunderstood but the most effective ministry in Imo State, to address issues of this nature.”” he said
On his part, Senator Orji said most people commit suicide out of ignorance.
“Many people commit suicide out of ignorance and situations that could be addressed; and the people in the position to help, encourage or assist ignore to do so thereby leaving them to commit suicide at will” he said
The former governor who made news in 2017 after he created the Ministry of Happiness whilst he was still governor of Imo state, made the call during plenary today July 9th. He was contributing to a motion sponsored by Senator Theodore Orji on the rising incidence of suicides amongst Nigerians.
Speaking on the floor of the senate, Okorocha said
“Mr Senate President, may I suggest that whether it’s the issue of rape, suicide, let us create a department to address these issues. Ministry of health is not up to that, Police is not equipped for that, the Ministry of Information is not equipped for that, we must have a department where people can go and express themselves, that ministry must be a ministry or department of happiness. All our prayers appear to me as though we are embarking on academic exercise that might not reflect any practical reality. A step should be further taken to find out why these people are not happy to the extent that they will take their life.
I think a department should be created to look into this issue. When I did create the Ministry of Happiness, it was perhaps the most misunderstood but the most effective ministry in Imo State, to address issues of this nature.”” he said
On his part, Senator Orji said most people commit suicide out of ignorance.
“Many people commit suicide out of ignorance and situations that could be addressed; and the people in the position to help, encourage or assist ignore to do so thereby leaving them to commit suicide at will” he said
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