Last Updated on August 13, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

… As Management Reiterates Commitment to Staff, Students’ Wellbeing

By Femi Dansu

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, August 12, 2025, flagged off its maiden Health Week Symposium, a week-long programme aimed at promoting healthy living among staff and students.

Declaring the event open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi emphasised that “health is wealth,” noting that without good health, ambitions, plans, and dreams could be derailed. He described the symposium as an opportunity to learn, share, and be reminded of steps needed to live healthier, happier, and more productive lives. He stressed that while health is a personal responsibility, it also has a collective impact, as a healthy individual contributes to a healthy family, workplace, and society.

Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Ag. Director, University Health Services, Dr. Oluseyin Anjorin, described the event as the first of its kind in the University’s history, adding that it would now hold annually. He urged participants to take the programme seriously, remarking, “If we take care of ourselves, we will live longer, because once the body is tired, the spirit will exit.” He, however, commended the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their support.

The first paper was delivered by Dr. Azim Kunle Ashimi, Chief Medical Officer, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, on “Causes of Sudden Death in Our Society.” He identified cardiac arrest, stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, respiratory disorders, epilepsy, and seizures as major causes, with poor diet, lack of exercise, substance abuse, and ignoring symptoms as contributing lifestyle factors. He recommended preventive measures such as regular health checkups, adherence to prescribed medication, healthy diets, active lifestyles, public awareness campaigns, and mental health support.

The second lecture, “Causes and Management of Common Cancers (Breast, Cervical, and Prostate),” was presented by Dr. Temitope Shofolahan, Consultant Family Physician, Ogun State Hospital Management Board, represented by Dr. Adebimpe Elisha. Dr. Elisha outlined symptoms of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer, stressing the importance of early detection, vaccination (for girls aged nine and above), and lifestyle modifications to reduce risks.

The third speaker, Dr. Sunday Amosu, Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Research and Training, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, addressed “Curbing the Menace of Drug Abuse and Mental Health Challenges in Our Society.” He underscored that mental health was central to physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, and listed protective factors including autonomy, access to resources, and strong support networks.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Christian Ikeobi; Director, Institute of Food Security Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Prof. Olusegun Idowu; Head, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Oludayo Oduwole, as well as several other staff members.