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| Dr. Ogunwale to Asabeafrika…’The carelessness of quality nutrition at a younger age leads to mental problem at older age’ |
Doctor Adegboyega Ogunwale is a
Consultant Psychiatrist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun
State-South West Nigeria where he currently serves as a clinician and faculty
member on the residency training programme of the Hospital. His broad areas of
competence are General Adult Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, Biostatistics,
Medical Law and Ethics.
Consultant Psychiatrist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun
State-South West Nigeria where he currently serves as a clinician and faculty
member on the residency training programme of the Hospital. His broad areas of
competence are General Adult Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, Biostatistics,
Medical Law and Ethics.
In addition to his medical qualifications, he
holds a Master of Laws Degree in Medical Law and Ethics from the University of Edinburgh as well as a
Postgraduate Diploma in statistics. He is a member of the International Association of
Forensic Mental Health Services (IAFMHS) and currently serves as the Chair
of the Africa Interest Group of the association. He is also a member of the Mental Health Law and Policy Institute of
Simon Fraser University, Canada
and the American Academy of Psychiatry
and the Law.
holds a Master of Laws Degree in Medical Law and Ethics from the University of Edinburgh as well as a
Postgraduate Diploma in statistics. He is a member of the International Association of
Forensic Mental Health Services (IAFMHS) and currently serves as the Chair
of the Africa Interest Group of the association. He is also a member of the Mental Health Law and Policy Institute of
Simon Fraser University, Canada
and the American Academy of Psychiatry
and the Law.
He is passionate about multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral
approaches to healthcare delivery and has featured as an invited speaker at Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)
conferences as well as scientific meetings of the Association for Fertility and Reproductive
Health (AFRH). He has authored or co-authored a good number of publications
in both local and international peer-reviewed journals and has also served as a
reviewer for several international learned journals. His hobbies include
singing, reading and creative writing. He serves as a Sunday school teacher in
his local church and enjoys working with young people. He is happily married
and blessed with three lovely children. He was the Chief Moderator at the
recently held PEAK Nutrition Forum on Wednesday June 15 at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lekki-Lagos (South West
Nigeria). He moderated the forum to the delight of several stakeholders
including journalist and nutritionists who attended the event. He later
co-launched the newly produced PEAK 4-5-6
for children of ages 4 to 5 with other eminent personalities. Your Africa’s
number 1 Celebrity Encounter blog, Asabeafrika
cornered the very intelligent psychiatrist and what he told us about Aro will shock you. Do you like to
visit Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro-Abeokuta? Read why you might have a change
of mind and start visiting the place as stated by one of the executives from Aro. Enjoy!
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| Dr. Ogunwale with the GDA of Asabeafrika |
You
have just moderated the PEAK Nutrition Forum where the new brand called PEAK 4-5-6 was
launched and some of the issues being talked about are the great need for
nutrition security in Nigeria. Do you think is easy for the Nigerian Child to
have nutrition security?
have just moderated the PEAK Nutrition Forum where the new brand called PEAK 4-5-6 was
launched and some of the issues being talked about are the great need for
nutrition security in Nigeria. Do you think is easy for the Nigerian Child to
have nutrition security?
Well, I think it has been a great day
and I am quite delighted to have been invited to serve as moderator on the
panel. I think the most important thing that I will like to take away from here
is that we now have a product in the market that is targeted towards brain
development of children of aged 4 to 6. In my view, the Western World has
developed along this growth trajectory that we see today because they took
nutrition very seriously several decades before now. I don’t think it is too
late for us in Africa to start and if we start on this note, I think in
another few decades, Africa too will have a good story to
tell.
and I am quite delighted to have been invited to serve as moderator on the
panel. I think the most important thing that I will like to take away from here
is that we now have a product in the market that is targeted towards brain
development of children of aged 4 to 6. In my view, the Western World has
developed along this growth trajectory that we see today because they took
nutrition very seriously several decades before now. I don’t think it is too
late for us in Africa to start and if we start on this note, I think in
another few decades, Africa too will have a good story to
tell.
Sir,
what does it mean to be a father?
what does it mean to be a father?
Well, my son gave me a very frank
definition of a father. He said a father is ‘someone
who cleans his house and takes his children to school’. I thought that was
a rather simplistic definition of a father.
definition of a father. He said a father is ‘someone
who cleans his house and takes his children to school’. I thought that was
a rather simplistic definition of a father.
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| Dr. Ogunwale with his lovely and pretty wife, Mrs. Mrs. Modupe Ogunwale |
“A
father is one who leads from the front. A father is one who is not an absentee
participant. He must be at home and give quality care to his children. He must
be smart enough to understand that the curiosity of children is not the
curiosity that kills the cat”
(Cuts
in) Why will your son say a father as a man who cleans his house and take his
children to school?
in) Why will your son say a father as a man who cleans his house and take his
children to school?
Well, that is a 7 years old for you.
That is what he sees his father doing. So, in my view, what the boy was
communicating is that a father is one who leads by example. A father is one who
leads from the front. A father is one who is not an absentee participant. He
must be at home and give quality care to his children. He must be smart enough
to understand that the curiosity of children is not the curiosity that kills
the cat. Curiosity in a child is an indication of an active brain. And he must
feed that activity and improve that activity along positive lines. So, a father
must be present. A father must develop the potential of his children and above
all, I think that a father must provide wholistic care for his children and by
that I mean, physical, social, psychological and spiritual mentorship which
will help the children to be fully developed.
That is what he sees his father doing. So, in my view, what the boy was
communicating is that a father is one who leads by example. A father is one who
leads from the front. A father is one who is not an absentee participant. He
must be at home and give quality care to his children. He must be smart enough
to understand that the curiosity of children is not the curiosity that kills
the cat. Curiosity in a child is an indication of an active brain. And he must
feed that activity and improve that activity along positive lines. So, a father
must be present. A father must develop the potential of his children and above
all, I think that a father must provide wholistic care for his children and by
that I mean, physical, social, psychological and spiritual mentorship which
will help the children to be fully developed.
“I
am a stake holder in brain development because some mistakes today in the
growing up years of the brain are the mistakes that come to my door step as a
psychiatrist when these children develop mental disorder. Research has shown
that about 50% of mental disorders develop before age 14 and about 20% of young
people will have mental disorder in their lifetime”
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| Dr. Ogunwale with lovely colleagues at Aro, Abeokuta |
When
you got the invitation to come and moderate this nutrition forum as a
psychiatrist, what came to your mind?
you got the invitation to come and moderate this nutrition forum as a
psychiatrist, what came to your mind?
Well, this is not the first time that I
will be invited by FrieslandCampina WAMCO for an event. And I taught that at every
point of them extending an invitation to me, it is a reminder of the role that
nutrition has got to play in the development of the brain. I am a stake holder
in brain development because some mistakes today in the growing up years of the
brain are the mistakes that come to my door step as a psychiatrist when these
children develop mental disorder. Research has shown that about 50% of mental
disorders develop before age 14 and about 20% of young people will have mental
disorder in their lifetime. To that extent if good nutrition can act as a
preventative strategy, it will be a good option rather than waste the time the
child will spend in treatment.
will be invited by FrieslandCampina WAMCO for an event. And I taught that at every
point of them extending an invitation to me, it is a reminder of the role that
nutrition has got to play in the development of the brain. I am a stake holder
in brain development because some mistakes today in the growing up years of the
brain are the mistakes that come to my door step as a psychiatrist when these
children develop mental disorder. Research has shown that about 50% of mental
disorders develop before age 14 and about 20% of young people will have mental
disorder in their lifetime. To that extent if good nutrition can act as a
preventative strategy, it will be a good option rather than waste the time the
child will spend in treatment.
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| Dr. Ogunwale to the GDA….’Please, help us tell Nigerians that Aro is a very nice place to visit. You will love the experience if you do) |
Do
you think in the case of Nigeria and other third world countries; poverty is
playing a role in promotion of poor nutrition for the child?
you think in the case of Nigeria and other third world countries; poverty is
playing a role in promotion of poor nutrition for the child?
I believe that ignorance, poverty and
infection has been the three participants in the vicious cycle of disease as we
have always known it in public health. I believe that weather in brain
development or in adequate nutrition, poverty will play a role. To that extent,
an ecological perspective must be developed in mitigating the effect of
poverty. What is the role of the individual to see to it, that within his own
family, he tries to prevent poverty from taking hold?
infection has been the three participants in the vicious cycle of disease as we
have always known it in public health. I believe that weather in brain
development or in adequate nutrition, poverty will play a role. To that extent,
an ecological perspective must be developed in mitigating the effect of
poverty. What is the role of the individual to see to it, that within his own
family, he tries to prevent poverty from taking hold?
You must make most of the opportunities that
you have to create your own little wealth that will help to keep your family
healthy. What is the role of the community? What is the role of the society?
And by mentioning society, government has a critical role to play. The economy
should be fixed, people should be helped to develop and gravitate towards means
of livelihood that will put nutritious food on their tables. Because the children
we starve today becomes the dysfunctional adults of tomorrow. So, in my view, I
think they work together; ignorance, poverty and disease. And that is the way I
will look at it.
you have to create your own little wealth that will help to keep your family
healthy. What is the role of the community? What is the role of the society?
And by mentioning society, government has a critical role to play. The economy
should be fixed, people should be helped to develop and gravitate towards means
of livelihood that will put nutritious food on their tables. Because the children
we starve today becomes the dysfunctional adults of tomorrow. So, in my view, I
think they work together; ignorance, poverty and disease. And that is the way I
will look at it.
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| Dr. Ogunwale to Asabeafrika….’We will be ready to welcome you into Aro in any capacity you visit (Either as a sane man or mad man)’ |
How
do you run the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro-Abeokuta?
do you run the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro-Abeokuta?
Well, I am one of the consultants that work
there and we have a whole hospital that has got several services. We have
services for children and adolescents. We have services for elderly people; for
those who are between the ages of 18 and 65 as well. We have services for those
who have sleep problems and what we call intellectual disability. We have
enough services to be able to meet a host of mental needs of the populace in
Nigeria.
there and we have a whole hospital that has got several services. We have
services for children and adolescents. We have services for elderly people; for
those who are between the ages of 18 and 65 as well. We have services for those
who have sleep problems and what we call intellectual disability. We have
enough services to be able to meet a host of mental needs of the populace in
Nigeria.
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| Dr. Ogunwale to Asabeafrika….’Nigerians are welcome to Aro anythime anyday’ |
What
do you like about your job?
do you like about your job?
One of the things I like most, about my
job is that mental ailment can be difficult to treat but for every mentally ill
person that you get treated, it is as if you have given another human being his
whole life back. I feel highly fulfilled when that happens.
job is that mental ailment can be difficult to treat but for every mentally ill
person that you get treated, it is as if you have given another human being his
whole life back. I feel highly fulfilled when that happens.
What
do you hate about your job?
do you hate about your job?
Well, I don’t hate anything about my
job. I don’t; as a doctor, my oath is to
save lives. It is to preserve the sanctity of human’s life and to do my best
for the patient that is at hand. And I have sworn to do this for the rest of my
life. So, it takes my time, it takes my energy, it re-orders my priorities but
I don’t think these are things I should hate but rather, I see them as the
great cost that I must pay in fulfilling my oath to mankind.
job. I don’t; as a doctor, my oath is to
save lives. It is to preserve the sanctity of human’s life and to do my best
for the patient that is at hand. And I have sworn to do this for the rest of my
life. So, it takes my time, it takes my energy, it re-orders my priorities but
I don’t think these are things I should hate but rather, I see them as the
great cost that I must pay in fulfilling my oath to mankind.
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| Dr. Ogunwale to Asabeafrika….’As a doctor, i have sworn to an oath to protect the sanctity of any life in my care. So, i dont hate anything in my job’ |
As
the moderator of today’s forum, you were able to bring so much live to the
event and the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Ali University, Professor Onimawo had
to confess to the public that you have a way with words. As a Psychiatrist, how
did you achieve the ability to speak well?
the moderator of today’s forum, you were able to bring so much live to the
event and the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Ali University, Professor Onimawo had
to confess to the public that you have a way with words. As a Psychiatrist, how
did you achieve the ability to speak well?
Well, I studied literature for 6 years
and even as a science student in the university I also took a course in
literature. I took a course in literature till I got to WAEC level and that
really helped to open up my understanding of language and the use of words and
the depth that they can have. In addition, I got a background in medical law
and ethics. So, when you study law, you got to improve your understanding of
the dynamism of words. But all in all I give God all the glory because I
believe the ability to speak is a talent before it becomes a practice. That is
the way I see it.
and even as a science student in the university I also took a course in
literature. I took a course in literature till I got to WAEC level and that
really helped to open up my understanding of language and the use of words and
the depth that they can have. In addition, I got a background in medical law
and ethics. So, when you study law, you got to improve your understanding of
the dynamism of words. But all in all I give God all the glory because I
believe the ability to speak is a talent before it becomes a practice. That is
the way I see it.
You
are also a musicologist according to your profile, how did you learn that as
well?
are also a musicologist according to your profile, how did you learn that as
well?
Well, I studied music for 3 years from
my JSS 1 to JSS 3 and I have been in the choir for as long as I can remember.
my JSS 1 to JSS 3 and I have been in the choir for as long as I can remember.
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| Dr. Ogunwale moderating the Peak Nutrion Forum 2016 |
“One
of the things I like most, about my job is that mental ailment can be difficult
to treat but for every mentally ill person that you get treated, it is as if
you have given another human being his whole life back”
Do
you sing soprano, auto or tenor?
you sing soprano, auto or tenor?
I sing bass and tenor sometimes.
What
is your hobby like?
is your hobby like?
Singing, creative writing and reading; those
are my hobbies.
are my hobbies.
Do
you have a role model?
you have a role model?
Jesus Christ is my role model.
I
think you are from Ogun State?
think you are from Ogun State?
Not really, I am from Kwara
State
State
“ARO is a decent environment, I live on the
premises with my family and it is a place for anyone to visit. I would say that
I would invite everyone to visit the serene and theuraphetic environment of the
Neuropsychiatric hospital, ARO
Abeokuta and you will always want to return to that place”.
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| Dr. Ogunwale’s lovely children and future leaders |
There
is the peculiar perception and fear about Aro (Neuropsychiatric hospital,
Abeokuta) that it is a funny place. How do you really feel being a staff of
such an eerie environment?
is the peculiar perception and fear about Aro (Neuropsychiatric hospital,
Abeokuta) that it is a funny place. How do you really feel being a staff of
such an eerie environment?
Aro as a hospital was started in 1944 and the main
hospital came on board in 1954 and it has been there many years. People are
bound to have different perceptions of a place they know little of. But it is
like looking into a house through the window. You will see a different sight
when you compare the site with what those who are in the house actually see. That
means in terms of perception you can see differently. So, ARO is a psychiatric
hospital where we treat people with mental disorders. But it is not a place
where you have mentally ill people just roaming around the street in tattered
clothes, un-kept and not looked after. That picture is not real. ARO
is a decent environment, I live on the premises with my family and it is a
place for anyone to visit. I would say that I would invite everyone to visit
the serene and theuraphetic environment of the Neuropsychiatric hospital, ARO
Abeokuta and you will always want to return to that place. (He made this
blogger burst into feats of laughter but he refused to laugh as he made the
statement with bold confidence on his face)
hospital came on board in 1954 and it has been there many years. People are
bound to have different perceptions of a place they know little of. But it is
like looking into a house through the window. You will see a different sight
when you compare the site with what those who are in the house actually see. That
means in terms of perception you can see differently. So, ARO is a psychiatric
hospital where we treat people with mental disorders. But it is not a place
where you have mentally ill people just roaming around the street in tattered
clothes, un-kept and not looked after. That picture is not real. ARO
is a decent environment, I live on the premises with my family and it is a
place for anyone to visit. I would say that I would invite everyone to visit
the serene and theuraphetic environment of the Neuropsychiatric hospital, ARO
Abeokuta and you will always want to return to that place. (He made this
blogger burst into feats of laughter but he refused to laugh as he made the
statement with bold confidence on his face)
I
believe you on a very good note, I will visit Aro but not as a mad man (Laughter)
believe you on a very good note, I will visit Aro but not as a mad man (Laughter)
Well, whichever way you visit, we will
be happy to receive you.
be happy to receive you.
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| Dr. Ogunwale amd members of his team of discussants at the PEAK Nutrition Forum 2016 with other guests launching the newly produced PEAK 4-5-6 brand |
So,
how do you think government can help curb psychiatric problems in Nigeria?
how do you think government can help curb psychiatric problems in Nigeria?
Well, in my view, dealing with mental
disorder at the national level requires government’s action in terms of funding
of mental service, decentralization of mental health services, ensuring that
general hospitals, federal medical centers have that department of psychiatrics
which will make the services closer to the people. And at the level of the
primary health care, you can train people at that level to be able to deliver
some level of mental care in order to bring service close to the people. But
most importantly, they must work towards preventing mental disorder through
things like educating people about drug abuse, about adequate antenatal care
during pregnancy, good nutrition for the growing brain and many more.
disorder at the national level requires government’s action in terms of funding
of mental service, decentralization of mental health services, ensuring that
general hospitals, federal medical centers have that department of psychiatrics
which will make the services closer to the people. And at the level of the
primary health care, you can train people at that level to be able to deliver
some level of mental care in order to bring service close to the people. But
most importantly, they must work towards preventing mental disorder through
things like educating people about drug abuse, about adequate antenatal care
during pregnancy, good nutrition for the growing brain and many more.
