By Julius Peter, Abuja
Dr Abdulrahaman Sade, FCMIL, Sadaukin Bauchi, has pledged to intensify his humanitarian efforts and contribute more to the wellbeing of society following an honour bestowed on him at the 2026 Men’s Mental Health Conference and Award Ceremony organised by the Peace Progress and Unity Global Initiative (PPUGI) in conjunction with PFA Consulting Firms.
The conference, held under the theme, “Providing Direction and Support 5.0: Breaking the Silence — Mental Health Support for Our Security Personnel,” brought together prominent personalities, policymakers, traditional leaders, security stakeholders and other concerned citizens to discuss the mental health challenges confronting men, particularly personnel serving in the nation’s security sector.
Speaking at the event, Dr Sade expressed appreciation to the organisers for recognising his contributions and described the honour as both a privilege and a renewed responsibility to do more for humanity.
He said the recognition would encourage him to remain committed to humanitarian service and other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people within his community and beyond.
According to him, the award was not merely a recognition of his past efforts but also a challenge to continue making meaningful contributions to society.
He said, “With this honour given to me, I will continue doing my best for humanity. I really appreciate the organisers for this honour. This is a big challenge for me to do more.”
Dr Sade also used the occasion to call on men to pay greater attention to their physical and mental wellbeing, stressing that taking care of oneself is essential to living a meaningful and productive life.
He urged men not to ignore issues affecting their mental health or hesitate to seek assistance whenever they experience emotional, psychological or other personal challenges.
He emphasised the importance of valuing life and taking appropriate steps to preserve one’s wellbeing, noting that “life is for the living.”
The conference provided a platform for participants to examine the often-overlooked mental health needs of men, with particular attention to security personnel who routinely operate in high-pressure and potentially traumatic environments.
The organisers highlighted the importance of creating an environment where security personnel can openly discuss mental and emotional challenges without fear of stigma or discrimination.
The event also underscored the need for stronger support systems, professional counselling, public awareness and institutional mechanisms capable of helping security personnel cope with the pressures associated with their duties.
Among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony was the former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), alongside politicians, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
Their presence reflected the growing recognition of mental health as an important component of national wellbeing, particularly among men and personnel responsible for maintaining peace and security.
The gathering further served as an opportunity for stakeholders to encourage greater collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, professional bodies and other relevant organisations in addressing mental health concerns.
Participants stressed that mental health should be treated as an integral part of overall health and that individuals experiencing psychological or emotional difficulties should be encouraged to seek appropriate support.
The PPUGI 2026 Men’s Mental Health Conference and Award Ceremony therefore combined recognition of individuals contributing to society with advocacy for greater awareness and support for men’s mental health.
The organisers maintained that breaking the silence around mental health challenges remains crucial to ensuring that affected individuals receive timely support and professional assistance.
For Dr Sade, the recognition represents a renewed commitment to humanitarian service and a call to redouble his efforts in contributing positively to society.
He expressed gratitude to PPUGI and PFA Consulting Firms for the honour, pledging to continue supporting initiatives that promote humanity, unity, peace and the wellbeing of Nigerians.
