A university don has advised Nigerians to actively participate in sporting activities as a means to reduce the prevalence of mental illness and increase life expectancy in the country.

Professor Emmanuel Igoh Odokuma, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Delta State University, Abraka, made this call during the opening of the 2025 conference of the Nigeria Association of Sports Science and Medicine (NASSM) on Monday.

The conference, organized in collaboration with the Pan-African University Life and Earth Sciences (PAULESI) at the University of Ibadan, focused on the theme "Shaping Humans and Society Through Science and Medicine of Sports."

Professor Odokuma expressed concern over the rising rate of mental illnesses in Nigeria and emphasized the critical role of sports in managing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

"In managing mental health issues, sports have very essential roles to play in mental health especially psychiatric problems like depression and anxiety," he stated during his keynote address.

The professor highlighted that regular participation in sporting activities helps reduce stress, emotional trauma, and disorders that could potentially lead to mental health challenges.

Beyond the health benefits, Professor Odokuma also pointed out the economic advantages of sports, noting that sporting competitions like the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) games boost the local economy of host communities.

"Sports also have economic gains. When we have sporting competitions like NUGA games, it promotes the economy of the area where the games are being held. Sports also increase and encourage longevity among the citizens," he added.

The health expert called on governments at all levels to promote sporting activities among Nigerians as a strategy to grow mentally healthy citizens and increase the overall life expectancy rate in the country.

This advice comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with various health challenges, including a rising incidence of mental health issues exacerbated by economic pressures and social factors.