Health
Nigerian cardiac society develops framework for nationwide CPR training
The Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) has created a framework to train all Nigerians in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The President, Prof. Augustine Odili, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of its “Bring Back to Life” programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CPR is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions with artificial ventilation or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
This preserves brain function until further measures can restore blood circulation and breathing in individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.
According to odili, the NCS has been working on this framework for the past year, bringing together experts with extensive experience in resuscitation.
“The curriculum includes certification, retraining timelines, and trainer development.”
Odili emphasised the importance of everyone, regardless of age, knowing how to perform CPR.
“Last year, the society launched “Know Your Numbers” to raise awareness about blood pressure and its link to sudden cardiac arrests.
“Nigeria has also developed its own Public Access Defibrillator for CPR, which should be accessible in all public spaces,”he said.
In her keynote address, Prof. Adeola Animashaun, Consultant paediatric cardiologist, Lagos State University College of Medicine, highlighted the alarming rise of sudden deaths in Nigeria, stressing the need for action.
She attributed most sudden deaths to cardiovascular risk factors, advocating for regular blood pressure checks and a healthy diet.
The National Orientation Agency’s Director-General, Mr Lanre Issa-Oniru, emphasised the importance of making medical knowledge accessible beyond medical professionals.
He suggested taking the message to communities, mosques, and churches to effect change.
NAN also reports that the NCS aims to shift the narrative from “slump and die” to “slump and live” through determination, regular CPR training, and hard work.
NAN
Health
Many Nigerian Talents Wasted Due to Mental Health Challenges — Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services Boss
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services, Dr. Everest Okpara, has expressed concern over the number of talented Nigerian athletes whose careers are cut short due to poor mental health support and inadequate medical care.
Dr. Okpara spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Associations (AFSA) and Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services.
The event was attended by representatives of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, officials of various FCT sports associations, and other stakeholders.
He noted that Nigeria continues to lose promising athletes not because of lack of talent, but due to weak healthcare systems, especially in the area of mental health and early diagnosis.
“Our athletes face a lot. Some have underlying health conditions that go undetected. If diagnosed early, many of these challenges could be managed or prevented,” he said.
Dr. Okpara stressed that leading sporting nations invest heavily in preventive healthcare and performance science, a model Nigeria must adopt to remain competitive.
“Across the world, top sporting countries prioritize preventive healthcare. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, many gifted athletes fall short of their potential due to poor mental health conditions and lack of access to proper care,” he added.
He explained that the partnership with AFSA is aimed at reversing this trend by providing athletes with access to quality healthcare services, including mental health support, early diagnosis, and continuous medical monitoring.
According to him, the collaboration will create a sustainable pathway for athletes in the FCT and beyond to improve both their physical and psychological wellbeing, ultimately enhancing performance and career longevity.
“This initiative marks a turning point in Nigeria’s sports development. It is about building a healthier sports ecosystem where athletes can thrive and compete globally,” he said.
Also speaking, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by Hon. Albert Atsonka commended Everight Diagnostic for its vision and commitment to national development.
Atsonka described the facility as a centre of excellence, noting that investments in such healthcare infrastructure would significantly reduce medical tourism and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He said the MoU represents a strategic step toward improving athlete welfare and advancing sports development in the Federal Capital Territory.
“This partnership goes beyond business; it is a contribution to national growth. Everight’s name will be remembered in the history of sports development in the FCT,” he said, while also appreciating stakeholders like Mr. Clinton Agbor for their dedication to sports development.
In his remarks, the Director General of AFSA, Mr. Clinton Agbor, described the partnership as timely and crucial, especially in addressing issues such as doping, poor medical records, and inadequate athlete preparation.
He noted that AFSA, which oversees 48 sporting associations, is focused on grassroots development and believes early medical screening is essential for nurturing young talents.
“We must start from the grassroots. Athletes with proper medical history and care perform better. Many opportunities are lost due to failed medical tests, especially for players seeking contracts abroad,” he said.
Agbo added that the partnership would also provide subsidized healthcare services for athletes, sports officials, and journalists, while promoting education on health and fitness.
He revealed that the agreement, expected to last for an initial three years, would focus on comprehensive healthcare delivery, anti-doping awareness, and long-term athlete development.
The MoU signals a renewed commitment to integrating healthcare into sports development, with a strong focus on prevention, performance, and longevity—key factors needed to reposition Nigeria as a competitive force in global sports.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 year agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
