Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) World Heart Day 2014, Report
World Heart Day 2014 was marked in Nigeria with two events namely; Press Briefing and
Healthy-Heart Bazaar. Speaking, the Chairperson, Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF), World
Heart Day 2014, Organizing Committee, Mrs. Pamela Umebuani said NHF wants to use the
Press briefing to re-emphasize that heart disease and stroke remain the world’s leading
cause of death.
Further, the Nutrition Director, NHF, Prof. Olusola Omueti said consumption of animal fat is
a dangerous source of bad fats, classified as unhealthy oil. Omueti cautioned against the use
of such fats for frying or cooking, stating that they are capable of causing stroke and heart
attack. Omueti recommended vegetables and fruits to Nigerians, revealing they are good
source of nutrients and antioxidants. Again, she advised people above age 40 to avoid taking
meat but to take fish – like mackerel, salmon etc.
Vice-President (Elect) World Heart Federation and Executive Director, Nigerian Heart
Foundation Dr. Kingsley Akinroye confirmed that on World Heart Day celebrated on
September 29; more than a thousand people from across the World signed a global petition
calling on national and international leaders to recognize the importance of heart-healthy
environments, to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
And in line with the theme of this year’s world heart day 2014; Live- Work- Play – Join, the
Nigerian heart Foundation used the opportunity to call on the Federal and state Ministries
of Transportation to;
(1) create pedestrian zones so as to increase by 25% pedestrian volume
(2) Build more Express ways to reduce traffic congestion
Additionally, the World Heart Day Chairperson, Mrs. Pamela Umebuani called on
Organizations to Partner with Nigerian Heart Foundation and support the events of world
heart day. She called on individuals, families, NGOs to make the’ heart choice’ and not the
hard choice. She said the World Heart Day celebrations will continue with the healthy-heart
bazaar.
The fun filled NHF healthy-heart bazaar finally held on November 8, 2014, at the Muri
Okuonla Park, Victoria Island, Lagos. As expected it recorded a land mark as several new
Organizations joined for the first time in exhibiting their healthy-heart Brands.
In his welcoming remarks, the Vice Chairman, Executive Board of NHF; Dr. Femi MobolajiLawal said the core message is to ensure that individuals have the best opportunities to
make Heart-Healthy choices where they live work and play. He said it is in line with this
theme that NHF is organizing the Healthy-Heart Bazaar to encourage people to take
appropriate actions towards their hearts in order to live longer and healthier.
With cardiovascular disease accounting for nearly one in three deaths across the globe and
with 80% of the disease burden in low and middle income countries like Nigeria, Dr.
Mobolaji-Lawal said that the Healthy-heart Bazaar will aim to educate participants on how
making healthy food choices and living healthy lifestyles play key roles in maintaining good
cardiovascular health.
Again, he said as recent studies have shown that regular physical exercise lower the risk of
heart attack or stroke and help to control blood pressure and cholesterol, ‘today
participants will be encouraged to get active, build physical activity into their daily life at
home, at work and at play’ and make simple changes; like saying no to alcohol and tobacco
and eating healthy foods rich in fruits, vegetables high in fibre, avoid high intake of salt,
drink plenty of water as getting the right balance of foods and regular exercises go hand in
hand and help maintain a healthy-heart’ Dr. Mobolaji-Lawal said.
He encouraged participants to know their numbers; blood pressure level, blood sugar and
cholesterol level as these are all indicators to show how healthy a heart is.
Once again, he called on Government, Organizations to Partner with Nigerian Heart
Foundation and support her activities. He called on individuals, families, NGOs to make the’
heart choice’ and not the hard choice. Live the 2014, World Heart Day theme and join NHF
in promoting Heart-Health.
The WHD 2014, events were covered by major media organizations in the Country like;
Punch Newspaper which circulates 200,000 copies daily, Vanguard; 120,000 copies daily
with a print run of 130,000 copies and Guardian which is the most respected newspaper in
Nigeria. Also Wazobia, the number 1 pidgin language radio station in Nigeria that reaches a
population of almost 70 million in Lagos, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano and its
environs attended and covered the healthy-heart bazaar. The event was also shown on
Silver bird television, which is the most watched TV station in Nigeria with about 75 – 80%
viewership in Lagos and Lagos State Television (LTV).
The main Partner at the occasion was Grand cereals, a subsidiary of UAC and was supported
by other Companies. Brands like Mamador oil, Turn Back Time and Micro life healthcare
conspicuously took their positions at the Exhibition stands. In the spirit of the Bazaar; Heart
care NGOs like Chike Okoli Foundation, Olaniba Heart Foundation showed their support by
carrying out Health screening on participants at the venue. Also, Healthy Children Project
Foundation had a full representation. The popular Salsa dance group; Advantage
entertained while the DJ provided music. There were cardio work outs too. Eatright and
Vegan Victory Kitchens were on ground to serve the Healthy-Heart foods and drinks.