A valedictorian from Edward Waters University and a renowned product innovator, Adeleye Mesogboriwon, has proposed a cutting-edge technological approach to address the growing mental health challenges faced by Nigerian soldiers actively engaged in the fight against terrorism.
According to The PUNCH, speaking at a U.S. conference on Thursday, Mesogboriwon, who graduated with a degree in Computer Information Systems, emphasized the importance of utilizing mobile health technology and telepsychiatry services to provide much-needed mental health support for troops and their families.
Mesogboriwon, who is widely recognized for his pioneering solutions in mental health, expressed concerns over the psychological toll experienced by soldiers due to prolonged exposure to combat.
He advocated for the use of mobile health applications to offer immediate counseling services and telepsychiatry to provide remote psychological support.
“With the psychological strain from prolonged counter-terrorism operations posing significant risks, this initiative seeks to offer rapid and accessible mental health support,” Mesogboriwon stated, underscoring the importance of swift intervention.
Highlighting the severe mental strain caused by “combat exposure, prolonged separation from family, and the threat of violence,” he pointed out that these factors significantly heighten the risk of mental health disorders among soldiers.
His proposed solution aims to mitigate these effects while also working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health issues within military ranks.
Drawing from his experience as a national finalist in the prestigious U.S. Army xTech competition, Mesogboriwon believes his innovative approach would not only tackle mental health challenges but also improve the overall well-being and operational readiness of Nigerian troops.
His initiative, which is set to be piloted at select military bases, includes real-time mental health counseling through mobile health apps and telepsychiatry for remote, on-demand support.
In his closing remarks, Mesogboriwon urged the Nigerian Federal Government to prioritize this technological solution, stressing that it could greatly enhance the resilience and effectiveness of military personnel engaged in high-stress counter-terrorism operations.
