(DDM) – The D’Bio Wellness & Self-Care Summit opened in Lagos with a resounding message: Nigerians must take charge of their health before illness strikes.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the two-day event, themed “Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness,” brought together policymakers, medical experts, entrepreneurs, and wellness advocates to chart a new course for preventive healthcare in Nigeria.
Convener Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze said that while hospitals remain important, Nigeria’s reliance on curative care has worsened health outcomes.
She argued that prevention, lifestyle adjustments, and health literacy are far more cost-effective than late-stage treatments.
Keynote speaker Dr. Victor ’Gbenga Afolabi described self-care as Nigeria’s “first line of defense” against a health system under immense strain.
He cited data showing that non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are on the rise, often worsened by poor diets, sedentary living, and late hospital visits.
Pharmaceutical brands at the summit showcased wellness-driven innovations such as affordable supplements, telemedicine apps, digital fitness trackers, and community-based screening programs.
These were designed to help Nigerians integrate self-care into daily life.
Nutritionists highlighted the dangers of overprocessed foods, excessive sugar, and alcohol consumption, linking them to chronic illnesses that cost both lives and national productivity.
Fitness experts encouraged Nigerians to embrace simple routines, like regular walking, stretching, and hydration, as long-term disease prevention.
The summit also drew attention to mental health, often overlooked in Nigeria’s health conversations.
Speakers emphasized the dangers of unchecked stress, depression, and burnout, calling for nationwide awareness campaigns to normalize therapy and counseling.
Government representatives and dignitaries present were urged to adopt policies that institutionalize wellness, such as workplace fitness programs, community health clubs, and nutrition education in schools.
The event ended with a joint resolution calling for collective action across individuals, families, communities, and policymakers to embed self-care as a cultural and national priority.
Experts concluded that without urgent adoption of preventive health practices, Nigeria risks facing an unmanageable disease burden in the coming decade.
The summit’s final message was clear: wellness is not a luxury but a necessity for survival and sustainable national growth.