Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals has urged Nigerians to take responsibility for their cardiovascular health by embracing regular physical activity, routine health checks and healthier eating habits. The hospital made the call on Tuesday as members of staff, residents and other participants embarked on a 10,000-step health walk around Victoria Island, Lagos, to commemorate the 2026 World Heart Day. This event was part of activities marking the hospital’s 40th anniversary.
The Managing Director of Iwosan Lagoon Hospital, Victoria Island, Dr Ayobami Kuyoro, emphasized the importance of walking for cardiovascular health. According to her, walking helps with blood pressure, blood sugar control and other chronic diseases. Kuyoro encouraged people to become intentional about walking every day, not just on World Heart Day. She stressed that health is a personal responsibility and should be a priority.
Dr Kuyoro highlighted the significance of the 2026 edition of the event, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of Lagoon Hospitals. She urged Nigerians to “know their numbers” by regularly checking their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Kuyoro also recommended regular exercise and healthy eating as lifestyle changes capable of reducing cardiovascular risks. She suggested that people unable to exercise for 30 minutes at a stretch can divide the period into shorter sessions.
Dr Kuyoro cautioned younger Nigerians against the assumption that hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions affect only older people. She noted that hypertension could occur among people in their 20s and 30s and even among children, stressing that routine screening remained important regardless of age. The hospital has continued to work with corporate organisations, schools and communities to promote screening and cardiovascular risk assessment.
The Chief Executive Officer of Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, Dr Olubisi Oyeniran, reflected on the organisation’s 40-year journey, which has been built around patient care, clinical quality and its relationship with the communities it serves. He said the hospital had cared for several generations of families since its establishment. Oyeniran emphasized that quality of care and clinical outcomes had remained central to the hospital’s operations over the past four decades.
Dr Oyeniran outlined the hospital’s plans for the coming years, including sustaining a culture of excellence while strengthening its ambition to provide healthcare comparable with leading institutions globally. He said the hospital was investing in facilities, technology and specialist manpower, particularly in areas such as cardiovascular medicine. The Victoria Island facility reflects that commitment through its focus on cardiovascular and vascular care.
The hospital’s World Heart Day walk aimed to reinforce the message that simple, consistent lifestyle choices could play an important role in protecting heart health. Dr Oyeniran urged Nigerians to incorporate movement into their everyday routines rather than waiting until they could create a formal exercise schedule. He also warned against the belief that cardiovascular diseases were primarily conditions of old age, noting that lifestyle decisions made in younger years could significantly influence cardiovascular health later in life.
Key points
- Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals urges Nigerians to prioritize cardiovascular health through regular exercise, routine checks and healthy eating.
- The hospital’s 40th anniversary coincides with the 2026 World Heart Day celebrations.
- Cardiovascular diseases are a major public health challenge in Nigeria, requiring prevention and lifestyle changes.
