The lawmaker representing Imo West Senator at the National Assembly, Rochas Okorocha, has called for the creation of Federal Ministry of Happiness to curtail the rising rate of suicide in Nigeria.
Speaking on a motion on the subject on Tuesday, Mr. Okorocha said every case of suicide could be traced to unhappiness among the people. This, he said, could be solved by dedicating a ministry to cater to issues relating to the happiness of the citizens.
The former Imo governor said the ‘Ministry of Happiness’ created by his administration helped reduce the cases of unhappiness in the state. Okorocha said:
“Mr Senate President, may I suggest that whether it’s the issue of rape, suicide, let us create a department to address these issues.
“Majority of Nigerians are not happy. Our nation is characterised with unhappiness…why would one want to take his life simply because he or she is tired of life?
“Many people commit suicide because they lack the ability to express themselves or to share their feelings with anybody.
“A step should be further taken to find out why these people are not happy to the extent that they will take their life.
“I think a department should be created to look into this issue. When I did created the Ministry of Happiness, it was perhaps the most misunderstood but the most effective ministry in Imo State, to address issues of this nature.
“If our policies does not guarantee the happiness of people, then it is a failed policy. Allow me the next time to present a motion on the urgent need to establish a department of happiness where people can go and express themselves.”
