A young woman praised for her dedication to caring for her mentally-ill mother has been condemned by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, condemns the exploitation of the mother’s condition on social media.
The controversy began when a video surfaced online showing the daughter visiting her mentally ill mother, who roams the streets in tattered clothing. The video, shared by ObiCubana News, sparked a mix of reactions.
While many praised the daughter for her unwavering support, the minister expressed deep concern about the exploitation of the mother’s mental illness for personal gain and social media content.
On Sunday, Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye issued a strong statement condemning the exploitation of the mentally ill mother, calling the video “disturbing” and “unacceptable.”
The minister emphasised the need for compassion, understanding, and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues, rather than what she described as “ridicule or exploitation”.
“We strongly condemn the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially those struggling with mental health issues,” the Minister said. “Mental illness demands compassion, understanding, and support—not ridicule or exploitation.
“We urgently request information about the mother’s identity and condition to ensure proper care and protection. A reward is offered for prompt location assistance. Appropriate actions must be taken to address this situation.”
Despite the Minister’s concerns, the daughter’s actions have garnered widespread admiration on social media.
The video shows a stark contrast between the daughter’s neat appearance and her mother’s dishevelled state.
In the video, the daughter speaks candidly about her mother’s condition, revealing that her mental health began to deteriorate after the death of their father. Despite the emotional and financial strain, the daughter continues to support her mother with the little resources she has, bringing her food and money during her visits.
“I know people refer to me as the daughter of a madwoman,” she says in the video. “Yes, I am proud. I am proud to be somebody’s daughter. At least I have a mother.”
Her words have resonated with many Nigerians, who see her dedication as a powerful statement against societal stigma and neglect. Social media users have praised the daughter for her courage and commitment, urging others to show kindness and support to those in need.
The public response to the video has been overwhelmingly positive, with many Nigerians expressing admiration for the daughter and calling for more substantial support for both her and her mother. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support, as well as calls for practical assistance.
One user, Ogaranya Inc, commented, “She doesn’t seem mad; she understands what her daughter is saying. This might just be a mental illness that could be managed if Nigeria cared about everyone.”
Another user, Iampelumi, expressed concern for the daughter’s well-being, saying, “Imagine the names she will be called at school or in society. I really hope she continues being strong for her mother.”
The video has sparked a broader conversation about the state of mental health care in Nigeria. Social media users have pointed out the lack of adequate facilities and the high cost of treatment, which often puts mental health care out of reach for many Nigerians.
April 11 Media, a social media account, highlighted this issue, stating, “The government should have hospitals to treat such cases, as it’s beyond the children’s capacity.”
Diary of a Naija Boy, another user, pointed out the financial challenges, noting, “Rehab ain’t cheap. A month we are talking about close to 300k naira or more. Do you think she can afford it? Healthcare in Nigeria ain’t cheap, guys. We should support her.”
In response to these concerns, some users have suggested possible solutions. Sammy UgoNabo proposed that the National Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Enugu could be a potential option for the mother’s treatment, advocating for the establishment of better mental health care facilities in Nigeria.
The story has also prompted deeper reflections on the nature of mental health and how society responds to those affected. Prof. CharlesFlowz, a social media user, emphasized the importance of proper care and the potential for improvement in mental health conditions, stating, “In cases where the individual can still communicate and comprehend, there is hope for better management.”
The emotional weight of the story has also led to prayers and calls for divine intervention. User Alade prayed, “Oh dear God, You healed the madman of Gadara before. Please manifest that same power for our sister and her mother.”
