Delegates Of Peace, Progress and Unity Global Initiative Visit The Commander Of The 22 Armoured Brigade

Delegates Of Peace, Progress and Unity Global Initiative Visit The Commander Of The 22 Armoured Brigade

The Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, on Friday, 1 August 2025, welcomed a delegation from the Peace, Progress, and Unity Global Initiative (PPUGI) at the Headquarters of the 22 Armoured Brigade in Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin. The delegation was led by the Global President, Ambassador Dr Prevail Farida Ahmed.

During the visit, Ambassador Farida emphasised the group’s mission to advocate for the well-being of security personnel, particularly those in the Armed Forces who make significant sacrifices for the nation’s peace and security. She stated, “The well-being of our men in uniform is of utmost importance. We visit to show our appreciation for those who stay vigilant so that society can enjoy peaceful nights.”

Ambassador Farida underscored the importance of addressing the mental health of military personnel, noting that they often give up personal pleasures, free time, and family connections while risking their lives to ensure safety in the country. “If, for just 24 hours, they were to abandon their posts and return to the barracks, I wonder what would happen to this country. Regardless of what people may write on social media, we are here today to celebrate you for your exemplary service. We wish to honour you as an Icon of Peace,” she remarked.

She also praised the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, for creating an enabling environment that allows the initiative to flourish.

In response, Brigadier General Barkins expressed gratitude for the visit and the encouragement provided by the delegation. “The trauma associated with our job can be overwhelming, but we have been sustained by God,” he said. “The government is also playing its role by supplying the necessary equipment to ensure the safety of our state and its surroundings.”

He added, “Your initiative has significantly boosted our morale by showing that people recognise and appreciate the sacrifices we make daily. Although society can sometimes be hostile towards us, gatherings like this positively impact our mental health and that of our families. Thank you, and God bless you for coming.”

The highlight of the event was the decoration and award of the ICON OF PEACE by the president of PPUGI to Brigadier General Barkins. The ceremony also included the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph to commemorate the visit.