By Emma Peter, Abuja
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd.), has been honoured at the 2026 Men’s Mental Health Conference and Award Ceremony organised by the Peace, Progress and Unity Global Initiative (PPUGI).
The event, organised in collaboration with PFA Consulting Firm, was held as part of PPUGI’s continued campaign to raise awareness about men’s mental health and encourage greater attention to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of men, particularly security personnel and others who operate under demanding conditions.
The conference was held under the theme, “Providing Direction and Support 5.0: Breaking the Silence — Mental Health Support for Our Men (Security Personnel).”
The recognition of Buratai at the ceremony underscored the importance of acknowledging individuals whose careers and public service have been closely associated with national security, leadership and service to the country.
Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff, has previously received recognitions for his contributions to national security and peacebuilding. His career has also included extensive engagement with issues of security, leadership and the welfare of personnel under his command.
Speaking at the event, Founder and Global President of PPUGI, Amb. Dr. Prevail Farida Ahmed, said the initiative was driven by the need to challenge the culture of silence surrounding men’s emotional and psychological struggles.
Ahmed stressed that men should not be made to feel that expressing emotions or asking for assistance amounts to weakness.
She maintained that society must move away from the expectation that men should always appear strong, regardless of the pressures they face in their families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, “You are first a human being before being a man,” a message she has consistently promoted through PPUGI’s men’s mental-health advocacy.
She further urged men to understand that experiencing emotional difficulties does not diminish their worth, calling on them to seek support whenever necessary rather than suffer silently.
Ahmed said men carry significant responsibilities as providers, fathers, husbands, leaders, professionals and security personnel, making it important for families, communities and institutions to create environments where they can openly discuss their challenges.
“It is okay to feel. It is okay to cry,” she said in her advocacy message, while calling for an end to the stereotype that men must simply “man up” whenever they encounter difficulties.
She also encouraged men to recognise their limitations, manage pressure and avoid placing themselves under unnecessary strain, stressing that taking a pause or seeking assistance should not be interpreted as failure.
The PPUGI founder said the organisation’s advocacy was not about portraying men as weak but about recognising their humanity and ensuring that they have access to the emotional, psychological and social support required to function effectively.
The conference also highlighted the particular pressures faced by security personnel, who routinely operate in high-risk environments and are often expected to remain resilient while dealing with demanding operational responsibilities.
PPUGI said the focus on security personnel was intended to broaden conversations around mental health within institutions where discussions about emotional wellbeing can sometimes be overshadowed by expectations of strength, discipline and endurance.
Ahmed’s advocacy has continued through PPUGI’s Men Alive initiatives and other programmes aimed at challenging stereotypes around men’s mental health. Her organisation says its work includes mental-health awareness, counselling and community-based interventions designed to encourage men to speak about their experiences and seek appropriate support.
The ceremony therefore combined recognition of service with a broader call for society to pay greater attention to the people behind the uniforms, positions and responsibilities they carry.
The organisers stressed that supporting men’s mental health should be regarded as part of strengthening families, workplaces, communities and national institutions.
The event brought together stakeholders, advocates and members of the public to promote a culture in which men can discuss emotional challenges, seek assistance and receive support without fear of stigma or ridicule.
