By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Sagay Family Youth Forum (SFYF) has intensified efforts to promote healthy living and combat the growing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension through a comprehensive health awareness programme held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Sagay Quarters, Amuokpe, Sapele.
The event, themed “Healthy Lifestyle: Prevention and Management of Diabetes and High Blood Pressure,” took place at the Sagay Family Hall and Ethiope Primary School Field, attracting family members and residents who turned out to benefit from free health screenings and expert medical advice.
Declaring the day a health awareness and medical check-up day for all Sagays, President of the Sagay Family Youth Forum, Mr. Livingstone Sagay, emphasized the importance of prioritizing personal health.
In his welcome address, he described health as the foundation of a productive and fulfilling life, urging participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to assess their health status and learn preventive measures against lifestyle-related diseases.
The Secretary of the Forum, Ms. Tosan Ganranwei, advised attendees to undergo vital sign assessments before participating in the exercise session to ensure accurate health evaluations.
The programme featured lectures and practical sessions facilitated by a team of health professionals, including Dr. Stanley Emakpor, Senior Medical Officer with the Delta State Hospitals Management Board (HMB), Ms. Tayo Marian Sagay, Mrs. Omasan Gilberton, Nurse Divine-Favour Uriri Ebreme, and fitness coach, Anthony Umukoro.
Speaking during the event, Mrs. Omasan Gilberton encouraged participants to cultivate a positive attitude toward healthy living, stressing the importance of regular hydration and healthy lifestyle choices.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Stanley Emakpor highlighted the increasing burden of diabetes and hypertension in Nigeria, describing both conditions as systemic diseases influenced by a combination of controllable and uncontrollable factors.
According to him, uncontrollable factors include heredity, age, and gender, while controllable factors include weight management, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices.
He disclosed that between three and seven per cent of Nigerians are living with diabetes, while approximately 40 per cent of the population suffers from hypertension, noting that the condition is particularly prevalent in southern Nigeria due to increasingly sedentary lifestyles.
Dr. Emakpor urged participants to embrace healthy eating habits and regular physical activity to help the body effectively utilize stored glucose and reduce the risk of diabetes. He also advised individuals already undergoing treatment for hypertension or diabetes to adhere strictly to prescribed medications.
Quoting a popular health maxim, he said, “Let the food you are eating be your medicine and let your medicine be your food,” while encouraging participants to adopt beneficial health practices from other cultures.
The interactive session also featured questions from participants on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid sudden health complications. Responding, the facilitators emphasized the need for deliberate lifestyle changes and encouraged individuals with medical conditions to inform employers, family members, and close associates who could provide support during emergencies.
As part of the practical component of the programme, Coach Anthony Umukoro led participants through a fitness and exercise session, while Ms. Tayo Marian Sagay and Nurse Divine-Favour Uriri Ebreme conducted health screenings, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests.
A major highlight of the event was the provision of free one-on-one consultations with the medical doctor, enabling participants to receive personalized health advice based on their screening results.
The programme concluded with votes of thanks delivered by Mrs. Mercy Livingstone Sagay and Mrs. Stella Onokpe, who commended the organizers, facilitators, and participants for contributing to the success of the initiative.
Organizers expressed optimism that the health awareness campaign would encourage healthier lifestyles among family members and the wider community, ultimately reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases and improving overall well-being.