By Emma Peter, Abuja
The member representing Surulere II Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Arc. Lanre Okunlola, has called for increased attention to men’s mental health, urging government and relevant stakeholders to develop policies and programmes that address the psychological, emotional and social pressures confronting Nigerian men.
Okunlola, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management, made the call while speaking with journalists at the PPUGI 2026 Men’s Mental Health Conference and Award Ceremony, organised by the Peace Progress and Unity Global Initiative (PPUGI) in conjunction with PFA Consulting Firm.
The lawmaker, who was honoured at the event, said the pressures associated with providing for families, maintaining employment, meeting financial obligations and coping with responsibilities at home and in the workplace could have significant implications for men’s mental wellbeing.
He stressed that the issue should not be treated as a private concern affecting individuals alone, but as a matter with wider implications for families, productivity and national development.
According to him, there is a need for credible research to establish the factors responsible for the health and wellbeing challenges confronting Nigerian men and to provide reliable data that can guide government planning and policymaking.
Okunlola said, “Everything is on the man’s head. So it’s huge.” He noted that concerns surrounding men’s health and longevity should prompt serious research into the underlying factors and the appropriate interventions required.
The lawmaker urged the organisers of the conference to sustain their advocacy and expand awareness campaigns across the country.
“They should keep advocating. I mean, create more awareness for us as Nigerians to know that it’s important that the mental health of men is important even to the development of the country itself and to the growth of the country,” he said.
Okunlola also assured that government has a role to play by developing and implementing policies capable of addressing health challenges affecting men and other vulnerable groups.
He commended PPUGI for creating a platform dedicated to men’s mental health, describing the initiative as a welcome development.
Speaking separately, the Founder and Global President of PPUGI, Eminence Ambassador Dr. Prevail Farida Ahmed, said her humanitarian and mental-health advocacy efforts were driven by purpose discovery and her walk with God.
Dr. Farida said she had been involved in mental-health advocacy for 14 years, with a specific focus on men’s mental health for the past seven years.
She explained that the organisation’s advocacy has focused on encouraging men to speak openly about their mental-health challenges, identify their needs and break the culture of silence surrounding emotional and psychological struggles.
She urged men not to lose hope because of what they currently lack, stressing that staying alive and maintaining hope were fundamental to overcoming life’s challenges.
According to her, PPUGI and its partner organisations have also continued to undertake humanitarian interventions and awareness programmes designed to encourage people to support one another.
She disclosed that a major mental-health awareness walk was held in Lagos on September 15, while another major conference and the organisation’s traditional peace walk are scheduled for February 2027.
Dr. Farida further unveiled the proposed PFA Trauma-Informed Wellness City, describing it as a planned world-class trauma-informed centre designed to provide support to Nigerians, improve lives and create employment opportunities.
The PPUGI 2026 conference was held under the theme: “Providing Direction and Support 5.0: Breaking the Silence — Mental Health Support for Our Men (Security Personnel).”
The initiative brought attention to the particular pressures faced by men, including security personnel, while promoting greater awareness, support and constructive conversations around men’s mental wellbeing.
