Samuel Akinrodoye, a Lagos-based swim coach is taking a bold step to promote a mental health campaign by swimming across the third mainland bridge.
The bridge which runs from the mainland, Oworonshoki to the island, Adeniji Adenle, Akinrodoye aims to swim through this distance to celebrate people who attempted to commit suicide at the bridge.
The third mainland bridge has a length of over eleven kilometers and is equivalent to over seven miles (11.8 km; 7.3 miles) making it the longest in West Africa.
Residents in Ikeja, Agboyi-Ketu, Ikorodu, Isheri, Oworonshoki, Gbagada, Yaba, Maryland, and Oshodi often use the bridge daily.
However, it has also become a suicide spot for embattled people over the years, hence, Akindoroye’s passion to increase mental health awareness.
Samuel Akindoroye, the Chief Executive Officer of Ocean28 Swimming Academy emphasized the importance of this swimming feat and an initiative to increase awareness about depression, suicide prevention and mental health with his action.
While speaking to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Samuel Akindoroye aims to embark on the exercise on Saturday, 30th of March, 2024 by 9:28 am.
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With an experience of over ten years in the “aquatic realm”, he believes he can achieve anything he sets his heart which includes swimming this feat.
Samuel Akinrodoye had this say about mental health;
“Mental health is a course I’m passionate about. Life can be very tough and it’s okay to ask for help. Your life can change negatively or positively within a blink of an eye. So stay alive.”
He also said,
“Over the month, we have accumulated data on suicide and depression, and it is alarming.
“A huge percentage of the successful and failed attempts happened at the Third Mainland Bridge, which is why we chose Third Mainland Bridge as a location for the awareness.”
In preparation for the record-breaking exercise, Samuel Akinrodoye practiced countlessly by swimming through Landmark Beach, Lagos Nigeria, three times each day to sharpen his skills and improve his perseverance.
According to him, “every stroke counts”, hence the intense practice.
In speaking to the press, Samuel Akinrodoye mentioned using sport to impact society and highlighted some other measures his academy has put in place to raise mental health awareness and help those who have attempted suicide.
Some of the measures include providing mental health hotlines, creating mental health awareness workshops in educational institutions online and onsite, and collaborating with support groups who are passionate about mental health.
The record-breaking exercise is in collaboration with the Nigerian Aquatic Federation and Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
He went further to encourage people who are depressed to break their silence and how society can help people with mental health challenges.
Suicide surge in Nigeria
Over the years, the rising cases of suicide, depression and mental health have been on the increase.
Recent national statistics have revealed a troubling surge in suicide cases throughout Nigeria, raising deep concerns about mental health and social well-being.
One notable trend is the distressing incidents of individuals resorting to drastic measures such as leaping off the iconic Lagos Third Mainland Bridge into the vast waters of the Lagoon.
Additionally, there has been a disturbing rise in the use of ‘Sniper,’ a commonly used disinfectant and versatile cleaner, which has tragically become a popular and accessible method for those contemplating suicide.
The widespread availability of ‘Sniper’ has heightened the urgency for comprehensive mental health awareness and intervention strategies across the country.
Several measures like banning the sale of the disinfectant and creating a safe space for people to share their struggles have been infused into the system. However, there’s still a high rate of suicide.
Suicides on Third Mainland Bridge
The Lagos Lagoon, a sight to behold beneath the Third Mainland Bridge, holds a dark secret. Driven by depression, many people grappling with life’s hardships have chosen these waters as a final escape.
While official numbers are elusive, multiple people have attempted and committed suicide there.
