Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for urgent support for the mental wellbeing of security personnel, stressing that psychological health is critical to their operational effectiveness and overall welfare.

Speaking at the Men's Mental Health Conference for Security Agencies in Ilorin, organised by the Peace Progress and Unity Global Initiative (PPUGI) in partnership with PFA Consulting Firm and the Kwara State Government, the governor stated: "Mental health challenges profoundly impact men's health, relationships, work performance, and quality of life. We must break the silence to empower our protectors."

Themed "Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Support for Our Protectors," the conference highlighted systemic gaps in psychological care for security forces and proposed solutions including routine mental health screenings, trauma counselling, and stigma reduction initiatives. Governor AbdulRazaq commended PPUGI's leadership, noting: "Supporting our security personnel's mental resilience isn't optional it's foundational to national safety."

The event marks Kwara's commitment to integrating mental health into security sector reforms, aligning with the governor's broader focus on holistic welfare for public servants.

The event attracted men and officers from various security agencies across the state.

"Men are often socialised to conform to traditional masculine norms, which can discourage us from expressing emotions or seeking help for mental health issues. This stigma can lead to untreated mental health problems, contributing to increased rates of substance abuse, aggression, and suicide," the governor added.

Represented by his Senior Advisor and Counsellor, Saadu Salahu, the governor identified contributing factors to mental health challenges, such as biological, environmental, psychological, and social issues.

To support men's mental health especially within the security sector he advocated for open dialogue, mental health training, the creation of supportive environments, and improved access to mental health services.

Speaking on "Burnout, Anxiety Disorders and Depression: Clinical Signs & Symptoms, Prevention and Support", the Chief Medical Director of Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, Dr Ahmed Abdulkadir, who is a Consultant in Orthopaedics and Trauma, explained:"Burnout is a condition in which a person suffers from ongoing accumulated emotional exhaustion from work-related stress and pressure that is out of control and cannot sidestep.

"As a result, a person may feel depleted of energy, worn-out, weak, discouraged, have a negative attitude toward their jobs, or be unhappy at work, affecting their ability to work effectively and to maintain relationships with those around them."

He stressed that mental health is vital to the performance and wellbeing of security personnel and called for supportive policies, comprehensive services, and stigma-free access to care.

Representing the Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof A.D. Yussuf, Dr Tajudeen Abiola presented on "Mental Health Support for Security Personnel: Providing Directions and Support, Breaking the Silence."

"Security personnel risk their lives for us; we owe them comprehensive support. Neglecting their mental health undermines public safety and trust," he stated.

The convener of the conference, Ambassador Prevail Farida Olayinka, said the event was designed to address the mental health challenges commonly faced by security agents.

"How do you start rebuilding when you've been broken? What does it take to get back up when everything inside you feels crushed? The answer is peace of mind, peace within, and you will not be wrong.

"Why peace within? Peace within is not denial of reality, it is the power to rise despite it. It is not a weakness; it is the foundation for clarity, strength, and resilience."