TheCable

A four-kilometer walk from Ladipo Bateye Street in GRA, Ikeja through Leventis, Isaac John, Joel Ogunnaike, Oba Akinjobi and back to Bateye Street kick started the 2018 World Heart Day in Lagos on Wednesday as the Kanu Heart Foundation collaborated with The Grays Cardiology Centre to mark the event with the theme “Make your heart a promise”.

Hundreds of school children and prominent Nigerians, among who are Nollywood artistes and health enthusiasts participated in the walk.

The staff of The Grays Cardiology Centre also conducted free health examination for residents as well as other visitors who trooped to the center in the spirit of the Heart Day.

Executive director of the Kanu Heart Foundation, Onyebuchi Abia, stated that the special day had been ingrained in the consciousness of Nigerians over years, a development he also said had delighted the foundation.

“We made it a point of duty to take this commemoration to different locations in Lagos with a view to spreading the message adequately. We are happy that we have brought it to GRA, Ikeja this year and are
pleased by the large turnout,” Abia said.

Pediatric cardiologist at The Grays, Emeka Ugwu, said the center was ready to collaborate with other stakeholders in ensuring heart wellness of children in Nigeria.

“The task is on us all to rescue the children suffering from heart ailments while also launching a sustained enlightenment on the preventive aspect by encouraging healthy living,” Ugwu remarked.

Consultant Cardiologist at the center, Kenneth Ochulor, called for increased private initiative by individuals and groups in Nigeria towards curbing the spread of heart ailments among children and adults.

“I am not aware of any other private-funded foundation in Nigeria aside the KHF and I think this is not good enough for a country of over 180 million people,” Ochulor submitted.

World Heart Day is commemorated on September 27 to draw attention to sufferers of varying heart ailments as well as enlighten people on the preventive measures.