Toba Owojaiye reporting
Osun , Nigeria
Osun State’s First Lady, Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Titilola Adeleke, has urged all citizens and residents to prioritize their health as she launched “Project 10 Million” at the Local Government Service Commission in Abere. This initiative is dedicated to combating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), specifically hypertension and diabetes—two conditions that account for 27% of annual deaths in Nigeria, with an additional 17% of Nigerians aged 30 to 70 at risk.
Addressing Truth Live News and other reputable new houses, Mrs. Adeleke stated, “I urge you all to take advantage of this opportunity to be screened for hypertension and diabetes. Knowing and controlling your numbers is a proactive choice to safeguard your health.”
Project 10 Million, a collaborative initiative among Health Commissioners across Nigeria and approved by the Nigeria Governors Forum, runs from October 28 to November 3, 2024. With the theme “Know Your Number, Control Your Number,” the project aims to screen 10 million Nigerians nationwide.
Health Commissioner and Chairman of the project, Barrister Jola Akintola, expressed confidence in the initiative’s potential to build on Governor Adeleke’s achievements in the health sector and to improve healthcare delivery across Osun. Health experts, including Dr. Isiaka Adekunle and Dr. Fatoki from the World Health Organization, highlighted the severe impact of undiagnosed hypertension and diabetes on life expectancy.
At the event, free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar levels, weight, and height were offered to attendees. The event was also attended by key officials such as Alhaji Aderibigbe Kayode, Commissioner of Home Affairs, and Hon. Komolafe Sunday, Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Senior Secondary Education, alongside healthcare professionals and representatives from development organizations.
This ambitious, yet noble health initiative by Osun State’s First Lady is a much needed response to the rising tide of NCDs in Nigeria, with a clear call for proactive health screenings across Osun.