By Friday Omosola
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq launched the Kwara Project Ten Million on Tuesday, a health initiative aimed at screening 196,913 residents for hypertension and diabetes.
According to a statement by Modupe Joel, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, the event took place at the State Banquet Hall, marking the start of a program that will run from October 27 to November 3, 2024.
In his remarks, delivered by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized the urgency of addressing hypertension and diabetes, which are major health issues globally and pose significant risks to communities in Kwara.
The free screening initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to promoting public health and supporting citizens in accessing essential healthcare.
‘Health is a fundamental right,’ AbdulRazaq stated, pledging that his administration would continue to work toward reducing the impact of these silent diseases by ensuring accessible healthcare for all residents.
“Through this screening programme, we seek to raise awareness, offer free screening, and provide education on prevention and management” he explained.
Governor AbdulRazaq has called on Kwarans to actively participate in the free health screening programme, emphasising that this collective effort can help dispel ignorance and stigma surrounding health conditions while fostering a proactive approach to wellness.
He highlighted the importance of lifestyle changes in addition to screening, recommending healthy eating, regular exercise, and frequent health check-ups as steps toward improved well-being.
Expressing gratitude, the governor acknowledged the dedication of healthcare professionals, community organizations, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make the initiative possible.
In her address, the First Lady of Kwara State and Founder of the Ajike Foundation, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, affirmed the state’s commitment to citizens’ health, noting that this program underscores the government’s dedication to promoting health among Kwarans.
She stressed the importance of early disease detection and timely treatment to prevent complications, urging residents to monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of sudden death.
Commissioner for Health, Amina El-Imam, explained that Project Ten Million is a collaborative initiative of the Nigeria Health Commissioners’ Forum, endorsed by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Federal Ministry of Health, and key development partners.
This project aims to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaker of the State Assembly, Yakubu Danladi, represented by Abdulkareem Musa, expressed support for the initiative and pledged that all 24 members of the House would promote awareness of the project within their constituencies.
Razaq Owolabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Environment, commended the administration for prioritizing residents’ health and assured the State House of Assembly’s commitment to supporting the program for the well-being of Kwara’s people.
Development partners and other stakeholders praised the government’s health-focused intervention and pledged continued support for Kwara State’s efforts to enhance residents’ health.