Osogbo, March 28, 2025 – A 25-year-old man, Joseph Abodunrin, has died by suicide in the Dagbolu community of Osogbo, Osun State, after months of battling depression linked to Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis. His death, confirmed by family members on Thursday, has sparked conversations about mental health and the toll of inflation on young Nigerians.
A Life Cut Short by Despair
Joseph, who celebrated his 25th birthday on February 6, 2025, had repeatedly expressed his struggles on social media, citing unrelenting financial pressure and feelings of hopelessness. In a final tweet on March 24, he wrote:
“I’m sorry I failed you guys… No matter how I explain it, you won’t understand. I hope y’all keep fighting. Goodbye.”
He left instructions about his passwords in his diary and shared his location, but his body remained unrecovered as of reporting time .
Hidden Pain Behind Smiles
His cousin, Abodunrin Grace, revealed that Joseph had concealed his anguish behind a façade of cheerfulness. In a heartbreaking post on X, she described him as a "pillar of support" who encouraged others while silently crumbling:
“You hid it all from us. You went about with fake laughter and smiles. Now we can’t get over it”.
Months of Distress Signals
Joseph’s Twitter timeline, spanning December 2024 to March 2025, read like a cry for help:
- January 31: “If not for my siblings, I wouldn’t commit suicide… I don’t want to squash their dreams.”
- March 9: “I see no reason to keep fighting to stay alive.”
- March 24: A final post about "passing the baton" before his death .
Reports suggest he was a bright first-class Metallurgical Engineering student who dropped out due to financial constraints. A friend disclosed that his startup, Data Wall, was rejected by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, crushing his entrepreneurial hopes .
Systemic Failures and Mental Health Crisis
The tragedy highlights broader issues:
1. Economic Pressure: Inflation and unemployment pushed Joseph to despair, mirroring recent suicides linked to debt and rent struggles .
2. Mental Health Gaps: His tweets revealed failed attempts to seek help, with counseling often exacerbating his pain .
3. Police Response: Osun police claimed unawareness of the incident, reflecting systemic gaps in crisis intervention .
Mental health advocates urge Nigerians to “prioritize emotional wellbeing” and seek free support. Joseph’s family has pleaded for privacy while mourning their loss .
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to trusted helplines. Your story isn’t over yet.