Kwara Governor Wants Mental Health Support for Security Officers to Boost Public Safety

L-R: Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture Dr Afeez Abolore Alabi; Dr Ghali Muhammed Alaya; Convener of the event Ambassador Dr Farida Olayinka Ahmed; Special Adviser and Counselor to Kwara State Gov Alhaji Saadu Salaudeen; Member Kwara State House of Assembly Seun Ogunniyi; Special Adviser to Kwara State Governor on Special Duties Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah; and Special Assistant to Kwara State Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Mukail Aileru; during Men’s Mental Health Conference for Security Agencies in Ilorin.

 

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has urged stakeholders to prioritize the mental well-being of security personnel, saying their emotional stability is crucial to national safety and effective service delivery.

Speaking at the Men’s Mental Health Conference for Security Agencies in Ilorin, the Governor said untreated mental health challenges can erode the capacity of security agents to discharge their duties efficiently, which may have dire consequences for society at large.

“Mental health issues can deeply affect men’s lives—impacting their relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life,” said AbdulRazaq, who was represented by his Senior Advisor and Counselor, Saadu Salahu.

He noted that the pressure to conform to traditional masculine norms often prevents men from expressing emotional struggles or seeking professional help.

“This stigma contributes to a cycle of untreated mental health conditions, including substance abuse, aggression, and even suicide,” he added.

The event, themed Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Support for Our Protectors, was organised by Peace Progress and Unity Global Initiative (PPUGI) in partnership with PFA Consulting Firm and the Kwara State Government. It brought together members of various security agencies from across the state.

Dr Ahmed Bola Abdulkadir, Chief Medical Director of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, spoke on burnout, anxiety, and depression, describing burnout as a condition of emotional exhaustion triggered by prolonged job-related stress.

“Affected individuals often feel depleted, weak, and disengaged from their responsibilities. This reduces their productivity and impacts their relationships,” he said.

Dr Abdulkadir stressed that mental health plays a vital role in the performance of security officers and called for stigma-free access to support systems.

Representing the Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Dr Tajudeen Abiola noted the risks faced by security personnel daily, stating that their well-being should be treated as a national concern.

“Security personnel put their lives on the line for our safety. Supporting their mental health is not optional—it is essential. Ignoring it weakens both security and public trust,” he said.

Convener of the conference, Ambassador Prevail Farida Olayinka, said the programme was initiated to address the often-ignored emotional battles security officers face.

“Peace within is not denial of reality—it is the strength to rise above it. Our security agents need this inner peace to stay strong and resilient,” she said.

The conference concluded with a call for sustained awareness campaigns, improved mental health services for law enforcement, and the dismantling of harmful stereotypes that hinder men from seeking help.

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