Twelve years old Oziomakachukwu Favour Mojekwu a.k.a. Ozzybosco last Sunday launched his debult album ” Journey of Life ‘ at the Sheraton Hotel Ikeja – Lagos.
The well attended launching witnessed who is who in the entertainment industry . The theme of the event was ” Stop Suicide Africa”.
The 13 tracks album featured prominent artists include Olamide Badoo, Flavour, M.I. Sound Sultan, Ruggedman, Dr Tee Mac, Midnight Crew and Mr Real.
Delivering the keynote address at the occasion, foremost human rights crusader, Dr Joe Okei – Odumakin who spoke on ” Stop Suicide Africa” said close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year.
She also said that suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29 years old adding that, though it occur throughout some people’s lifespan.
According to Okei – Odumakin , 79 per cent of global suicide occur in low and middle income countries
and that ingestion of pesticides, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally.
She said many African countries are struggling with high suicide rates for which there are no single explanation but adds however that , one thing that is evident is that, there is a lack of professional help and comprehensive research into the causes.
On how to prevent suicide, Okei – Odumakin said the World Health Organization has said that suicide is preventable.
She listed ways of preventing suicides to include , reducing access to the means of suicide such as pesticides, firearms and certain medications; reporting by media in a responsible way; school based information ; introducing alcohol policies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol ; early identification, treatment and care of people with mental and substance use disorders, chronic pain and acute emotional distress; training of non- specialized health workers in the assessment and management of suicidal behaviour and follow up care for people who attempted suicide and provisions of community and pastoral support.
Ozzybosco who hails from Nnewi but based in Lagos has won over 285 awards and he is a UNESCO Child Advocate and also the Ambassador for the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA).
