Health

Many Nigerian Talents Wasted Due to Mental Health Challenges — Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services Boss

Published

6 days ago

May 1, 2026

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.

Share on Facebook

Health

FG Intensifies Malaria Elimination Drive, Urges Stronger Community Action

Published

3 weeks ago

April 17, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to eliminate malaria in Nigeria, rolling out strengthened strategies that prioritise prevention, community participation, and the adoption of proven global practices.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known on Friday in Abuja while receiving veteran actor and Oloja-Elect of Lagos, Jide Kosoko, who paid him a courtesy visit ahead of World Malaria Day 2026.

Speaking during the meeting, Salako disclosed that since 2023, the government has adopted a more proactive and innovative approach to combating malaria through the “Rethinking Malaria Strategy,” introduced with the support of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the minister, the strategy shifts away from conventional methods by focusing on prevention, data-driven interventions, and multi-sectoral collaboration, while also leveraging lessons from countries that have successfully eliminated malaria.

As part of this renewed push, the government established the Advocacy Committee on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria, a platform aimed at strengthening advocacy efforts and mobilising expertise to accelerate malaria eradication nationwide.

Salako highlighted that Nigeria has made steady progress in reducing malaria prevalence, noting a drop from about 42 per cent in 2010 to 22 per cent in 2022. He added that recent interventions have further reduced the burden, with only a few states still classified as high transmission zones, while several others are nearing pre-elimination status.

He cited Lagos State as a leading example, pointing out that its low malaria prevalence demonstrates the potential for replicating successful interventions across the country.

The minister also underscored improved compliance with the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
He revealed that over 64 per cent of Nigerians now use treated nets when made available, attributing the progress to sustained awareness campaigns.

In addition, Salako announced that the National Malaria Strategic Plan has been updated for the 2026–2030 period, aligning with broader health sector reforms aimed at ensuring a coordinated and sustainable response.

Despite these gains, he stressed that government efforts alone cannot achieve total elimination, calling on Nigerians to take greater responsibility for preventive measures.

“Maintaining clean environments, clearing drainages, removing stagnant water, and consistent use of treated nets are critical,” he said. He also warned against self-medication, emphasising the need for proper testing and adherence to prescribed treatments.

Earlier, Kosoko commended the government’s renewed efforts and pledged his support through grassroots advocacy and sensitisation campaigns. He noted that he has been engaging communities and students in Lagos and Abuja, educating them on malaria prevention and control.

He emphasised that sustained success in the fight against malaria will depend largely on public awareness, behavioural change, and active community involvement.

The meeting, held under the IMPACT Project, was attended by senior officials of the ministry, including representatives of the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Public Health, and the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme.

Share on Facebook