In commemoration of this year’s World Diabetes Day, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Health Matters Incorporated, organized a Global Diabetes Walk and Free Diabetes Screening Exercise at the Lagos State Government Secretariat in Alausa.
According to the ministry’s Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director, Public Affairs, participants walked through the Secretariat complex to raise awareness of diabetes and its impact on well-being. Public servants were also offered free diabetes screenings to identify potential risks early.
The event, themed “Diabetes and Well-being,” aimed to increase awareness and access to diabetes screening among Lagosians, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes in diabetes prevention.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, highlighted the government’s commitment to reducing diabetes prevalence through awareness and proactive health screenings.
“We are here today to break barriers and bridge the gaps in diabetes awareness and prevention. Diabetes is a condition we can fight and overcome if we address the issues and factors that predispose people to it. While some risk factors are beyond our control, like genetics and age, others can be modified. That’s where our focus lies—empowering people with knowledge on managing their health,” Ogboye said.
Dr. Ogboye, represented by Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, Director of Disease Control, stressed the role of healthy choices, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking and alcohol to reduce diabetes risk. “But before you can manage it, you need to know your numbers,” he noted.
“We want people to understand that healthier choices, regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly reduce their risk. But before you can manage it, you need to know your numbers—your blood glucose and blood pressure levels. Today, we are making it easy for everyone to know those numbers.”
The Permanent Secretary announced a partnership with the Nigeria Governors Forum to provide free diabetes and hypertension screenings in 330 public health facilities across Lagos. “This initiative ensures every Lagosian has access to early detection and can take steps toward a healthier life,” he said.
He urged everyone to participate in the free screenings and spread the word within their communities. “We want to prevent diabetes before it becomes a crisis. This initiative will help individuals catch any warning signs early on, enabling them to make informed decisions for their health. Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to walk, eat healthily, and stay active.”
