In a remarkable feat, Nigerian swimming coach Akinrodoye Dare, popularly known as Coach Dreh, accomplished a major milestone by swimming the entire 11.8 kilometers of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos on Saturday. It took him just two hours and 33 minutes to complete this daunting challenge, all in an effort to raise awareness about mental health issues, specifically suicide and depression.
Taking place on a sunny Saturday morning, Coach Dreh’s swim quickly gained attention and admiration from spectators and passersby who were both amazed and inspired by his determination to shed light on an issue that is often overlooked or stigmatized in Nigerian society. Mental health is a topic that urgently needs attention, and Coach Dreh’s unique approach certainly succeeded in captivating the public’s focus.
The Third Mainland Bridge is not only an iconic landmark in Lagos but also holds an unfortunate association with suicide attempts. By choosing this location for his swim, Coach Dreh symbolically aimed to challenge the prevailing narrative surrounding mental health.
Dressed in a bright orange safety vest and accompanied by a support team in a boat, Coach Dreh fearlessly dove into the deep waters of the lagoon beneath the Third Mainland Bridge. Swimming stroke by stroke, his journey represented the resilience and strength required by individuals battling mental health issues.
This extraordinary feat drew attention from local media outlets and passersby who stopped to cheer Coach Dreh on, offering words of encouragement and admiration for his dedication to the cause. His swim not only raised awareness but also served as a reminder that everyone should prioritize mental well-being and extend support to those struggling with mental health issues.
Coach Dreh hopes that his swimming journey will ignite conversations about mental health, erode the stigma surrounding it, and encourage individuals to seek help. Mental health issues, particularly suicide and depression, continue to plague many individuals silently, and it is essential that everyone plays their part in fostering a supportive and understanding environment.
As Coach Dreh emerged from the water, grinning triumphantly, he shared a heartfelt message with the crowd, urging them to prioritize their mental well-being and be more empathetic towards those battling mental health issues. His incredible accomplishment serves as a reminder that through determination, awareness, and compassion, we can all contribute to bringing about positive change in society.
Coach Dreh’s swim has undoubtedly made waves in raising awareness about mental health, inspiring others to join the conversation and make a difference. We can only hope that his efforts will spur individuals and organizations to take concrete steps toward addressing mental health issues head-on and providing the necessary support to those who need it the most.
