World Obesity Day 2025: Ebonyi State Champions Call to 'Change Systems for Healthier Lives'

Stakeholders in the health sector in conjunction with the Ebonyi state Govt alongside other groups with chapters in Ebonyi in the Walk For Life to commemorate the 2025 World Obesity Day in Abakaliki

The World Obesity Day 2025, with the global theme;"Changing Systems: Healthier Lives", attracted partners in Ebonyi State as they joined the rest of the world to spotlight the growing public health concern of Obesity and advocate for a healthier future for all.

As part of the commemorative activities, a special edition of the Healthy Living Program with the anchor Chika Igwe aired live on EBBC Radio 98.1FM on March 6, 2025, from 3:00PM to 4:00 PM. The program featured Dr. Ifeyinwa Maureen Okeke, a Community/Public Health Physician Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA).

Dr Urudinachi Agbo, Consultant Public Health Physician in AEFUTHA; the President of The Obesity Society of Nigeria (TOSN)

Also featured during the one hour programme were the Coordinator of the Ebonyi State Chapter of Maden Healthcare Foundation as well as the Medical Women's Association of Nigeria (MWAN) National Outreach Committee Chairman. 

The MWAN Chair provided enlightening insights into the causes, consequences, and preventive strategies related to Obesity, emphasizing the importance of system-level change to combat the rising tide of Obesity in Nigeria.

On Wednesday 26th March 2025, The President of The Obesity Society of Nigeria (TOSN); (a National Association of World Obesity Federation), Dr Urudinachi Agbo, a Consultant Public Health Physician in AEFUTHA and Dr Ifeyinwa Maureen Okeke were at Daily Digest on Salt FM (98.1) EBBC Radio from 8:00AM-9:00AM  anchored by Nnenna Igwe to discuss Obesity and how Changing Systems can lead to Healthier Lives. 

The event also featured a comprehensive community health outreach offering free services such as:

- Blood glucose checks  

- Blood pressure checks  

- Height and weight measurements  

- Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments  

- Personalized and general health education sessions

The highlight of the commemoration was the "WALK FOR LIFE" event, organized by the The Obesity Society of Nigeria (TOSN) in collaboration with key partners including the State Ministry of Youths and Sports, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) National Outreach Committee, MWAN Ebonyi, Maden Healthcare Foundation (Ebonyi State Chapter), the Departments of Community Medicine and Endocrinology at AEFUTHA, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Ebonyi State Chapter, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), the Association of Nurses in Nigeria (NAMNM), Federal Road Safety Corps, Girls Brigade, State Education Board, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Medical Students Association (AEFUMSA), Ebonyi State University Medical Students Association (EBSUMSA), among others. It held on Thursday, March 27th, 2025, the walk commenced at 6:30 AM from the Abakaliki Township Stadium, drawing participants from diverse sectors – health professionals, community members, fitness enthusiasts, and policy advocates – all united in the call to action for healthier lifestyles and environments.

Participants were equipped with knowledge and tools to make informed lifestyle choices while also learning about the broader systems – including food environments, urban planning, and healthcare policies – that impact health outcomes.

Over 200 people participated in the walk for Life and over 300 people were seen during the Community Outreach with about 47 referred to the Lifestyle Modification Clinic Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA) Ebonyi State. There was light refreshment which was the healthiest fast foods: Fruits and Vegetables (apple, avocado, garden egg and groundnut  paste) as well as water exemplifying the importance of these in our diet. 

This collaborative initiative reflects a growing momentum among these Partners in Ebonyi State towards tackling non-communicable diseases and promoting holistic well-being. Stakeholders are optimistic that sustained awareness, community engagement, and systemic change will pave the way for a healthier, more active population.

"Together, let’s walk the talk and change systems for healthier lives."