Nigerians were reminded at the second edition of the D’Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit that health is not just the responsibility of doctors but of every individual.
The event whichkicked off at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) Conference & Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja
brought together health advocates, stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector, industry professionals, community leaders, and representatives from various sectors, including entertainment and education.
Themed “Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness,” the summit drew health advocates, pharmaceutical stakeholders, community leaders, educators, and entertainment figures, all united in the push to foster a culture of self-care across the country.
In her opening address, the host and convener of the summit, Dr Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, emphasized the urgency of public health literacy. “Whichever sector or area you are in, self-care and health aren’t the exclusive preserve of healthcare professionals,” she said, noting that early engagement in health practices is key to preventing disease.
She highlighted the seven pillars of self-care outlined by the International Selfcare Foundation, including health literacy, nutrition, exercise, rational use of products, and mental well-being.
Representing the event chairman, Pharm. Friday Enaholo, Assistant General Manager at Fidson, underscored self-love as the foundation of wellness. “The word ‘self-care’ starts with self-love. If you love yourself, you will want to achieve wellness and sustain it,” he said, cautioning that “one can look healthy and be sick inside.”
The keynote address by Dr. Victor ‘Gbenga Afolabi, CEO of Hazon Holdings and Co-Founder of Wellness HMO, highlighted the urgent need for self-care in Nigeria’s strained healthcare system. With a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:10,000 and rising costs, he described self-care as “the first line of defense; hospitals should be the last.” Dr. Afolabi called for structured, evidence-based approaches, supportive policies, affordable healthcare tools, and widespread health education to integrate self-care into everyday life.
The summit attracted prominent dignitaries, including Dr. Fidelis Akhagboso Ayebae of Fidson Healthcare PLC, Nurse Omomowo O.
Omolara of Lagos State Ministry of Health, Prof. Lere Baale of Business Schools Netherlands, and executives from leading pharmaceutical firms. They all pledged to support the initiative, stressing the need for cross-sector collaboration to improve public health outcomes.
A Product Presentation and Exhibition ran alongside the summit, showcasing innovations in wellness and healthcare. Exhibitors such as Nature’s Field, Fidson, Nemel, JOUF Pharmaceuticals, Neimeth, Greenlife Pharmaceuticals, and others presented supplements, medical products, and educational tools, allowing attendees to explore practical resources for self-care.
The D’Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit concluded on a strong note, reinforcing the message that proactive health management is crucial for Nigerians.
Organizers say that empowering individuals with knowledge, tools, and community support could transform health outcomes nationwide, making self-care a cornerstone of a healthier Nigeria.