The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Women Affairs, Aishatu Rufai, has charged families to be intentional about bonding more amid rising cases of mental illnesses as a result of economic hardship and other factors.
Aishatu, who expressed deep concern over the hardship most families, particularly women, appealed to fathers of homes to bond with their spouses and kids more.
The commissioner made the appeal while addressing a press briefing to commemorate this year’s International Families Day with the theme “Families and Climate Change”, in Lafia.
“The overall objectives of the observance of this year’s International Families Day is to raise awareness about family-related issues and the need to ensure the survival of the family as a bastion of love which extends to the society at large,” she said.
“Most families are experiencing one of the greatest existential challenges in our country due to the harsh economy and social conditions which have sadly existed and persisted over the years.
“In this regard, I appeal to families to make out time out of the tight schedules to bond with family members once in a while to ease the pressure particularly the women who are always loaded with both domestic and office responsibilities.”
She however appeal to men in the families to spend more time with their children to prevent them from social media influence.
“Husband please spend one day of your weekend with your spouse. Take her out to a cool restaurant and have time to talk. With this you can help your spouse to overcome some mental illness and maintain good mental health,” Aishatu said.