Gov AbdulRazaq Advocates Mental Health Support for Security Personnel

By our Correspondent

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has urged stakeholders to support the mental well-being of security personnel to enhance their effectiveness in fulfilling their duties.

Speaking at the “Men’s Mental Health Conference for Security Agencies in Kwara State,” the Governor, represented by his Senior Advisor and Counselor, Saadu Salahu, emphasized that mental health challenges can arise from biological, environmental, psychological, and social factors. He called for open conversations, mental health training, a supportive work environment, and improved access to mental health services.

Also addressing the gathering, the Chief Medical Director of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ahmed Abdulkadir, described burnout as prolonged emotional exhaustion resulting from overwhelming work-related stress. He stressed that mental health is critical to the performance and well-being of security officers and advocated for supportive policies and stigma-free care.

In his goodwill message, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Dasilva Yussuf, noted that security personnel, who risk their lives daily to safeguard the nation, deserve tangible support for their mental well-being.

Convener of the conference, Dr. Farida Olayinka, said the event was organized to help security personnel confront and manage mental health challenges they commonly face.