The Convener of second edition of the D’Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit, Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, has called for collective action to enforce the impact of self-care within the population
Dr Eimunjeze made the call at the opening ceremony of the summit held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) Conference & Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The Convener maintained that this can be achieved by encouraging attendees to ride along in improving health outcomes throughout Nigeria and beyond.
Highlighting the essence of the summit, she stressed, “For me, this event is something that is very key. Whichever sector or area you are, self-care and health arent the exclusive preserve for those of us who are trained in the healthcare space.”
According to Dr Eimunjeze, the importance of widespread health literacy cannot be underrated as “it is crucial for individuals to take an active role in their health”.
Articulating the summit’s vision to engage diverse groups, particularly youth, through various platforms such as entertainment and journalism to drive health messages home, she said, “By the time you start making health a priority, its a bit late,” she remarked emphasizing the importance of early engagement.”
She pointed out the seven pillars of self-care outlined by the International Selfcare Foundation (ISF), which include health literacy, nutrition, physical exercise, rational use of products, and mental health.
Assistant General Manager (Marketing) at Fidson, Pharm Friday Enaholo, representing Chairman of the event, tasked those at the summit to support DBio in their respective fields, enhancing public awareness and empowering individuals to become ambassadors of the self-care movement.
Emphasising the foundational concept of self-love as essential to achieving wellness, he said, “The word ‘self-care’ starts with self-love. If you love yourself, you will want to achieve wellness and sustain it.”
He stressed “one can look healthy and be sick inside,” stressing that true wellness encompasses both physical and mental health”.
The CEO of Hazon Holdings and Co-Founder of Wellness HMO, Dr. Victor Gbenga Afolabi, in his keynote address called for supportive policies, access to affordable healthcare tools, and widespread education to fully integrate self-care within the fabric of Nigerian society.
Dr Afolabi stressed the urgent need for self-care in the current healthcare landscape of Nigeria, saying, “Self-care is no longer optional; it is essential to balance rising demand with finite resources,”
Highlighting the Six Pillars of Self-Care, Dr. Afolabi emphasised the importance of structured, evidence-based approaches to health management, saying, “Self-care is the first line of defense; hospitals should be the last,” reinforcing the economic and social benefits of prioritizing self-care within communities”.
This year’s summit which brings together health advocates, stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector, industry professionals, community leaders, and others centered on the vital theme, “Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness,” aimed at elevating awareness and cultivate a culture of self-care among Nigerians.
