Old students association holds walkathon, free medical outreach in Lagos

The Ansar-Ud-Deen College Old Students’ Association (ADCIOSA) 2002/2008 set has held the Isolo Health Talk, a community health awareness programme featuring a walkathon, free medical check-up, and a health lecture.

The event, which took place on Saturday in Isolo, Lagos, was organised with support from the association’s national body.

Beneficiaries received free blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) checks, as well as eyesight screening and leg massages, with participation from both ADCIOSA members and community residents.

Speaking at the event, Mukhtar Akinteye, chairman of the set, said the initiative reflects four focus areas: education, health, social empowerment, and career development.

“For health, which is our focus today, we want to help people understand how to care for themselves. That is why our topic is the dangers of self-medication,” he said.

“We see many people, especially in the markets, going to chemists who are not pharmacists, and buying drugs indiscriminately. That is why we are educating them and also giving them basic health checks.”

Akinteye described the turnout as encouraging, noting that the maiden edition recorded over 100 participants, including community members.

Afeez Balogun, ADCIOSA national president, said the programme aligns with the association’s broader commitment to members’ wellbeing.

“We found that many of our seniors are getting old, and even among us, some are already battling one ailment or the other. So, we felt the need for everybody to keep fit,” he said.

“The message is simple: health is wealth. Everyone should make fitness a priority. Even if you don’t have money or time to go to the hospital, make it a duty to walk at least once a week.”

EXPERTS WARN AGAINST SELF-MEDICATION

Delivering the keynote lecture, Fasehun Morenike, assistant director and laboratory scientist at the Lagos state ministry of health, cautioned against the indiscriminate use of painkillers.

“The danger with indiscriminate use of painkillers is that they only suppress symptoms; they don’t address the root cause of the problem,” she said.

“Over time, excessive use of painkillers can damage vital organs like the kidney and liver. For lasting health, people should seek medical advice, adopt healthier lifestyles, and consider natural alternatives where appropriate.”

Morenike recommended body massage, herbal remedies such as ginger and garlic, and lifestyle adjustments like healthier diets and regular blood pressure checks as safer alternatives.

For beneficiaries, the checks came as a wake-up call, with some admitting they often ignore pressing health concerns because they cannot afford hospital visits.

Wasilatu Adisa, a food seller, said she is grateful to be referred for further care after discovering issues with her eyesight.

“I never knew my sight problem was serious until today,” she said.

“For years, I just managed it because I could not afford to go to the hospital or buy glasses. I thought it was just something I had to live with. But they have told me I need further care, and they have referred me to a clinic.”

Babalola Folohunsho, an elderly participant, said it was his first medical check in more than a decade.

“I haven’t checked my blood pressure in over ten years,” he said.

“To be honest, I just didn’t bother because going to the hospital costs money that I don’t always have. Instead, I would just manage myself and self medicate. This programme has opened my eyes to the dangers of neglecting my health. I feel relieved that I was able to do this today, free of charge.”

Community leaders present at the event included Yahya Lawal, Otunba of Isolo; Wasilat Yusuf, Iyaloja of Isolo; and Olaleye Isiaka, Babaloja of Isolo.

Others were Musediq Adeyanju, ADCIOSA first vice president; Ajijola Ahmed, chairman of the planning committee; Faronbi Ibrahim, national financial secretary; Khadijat Oparemi, 2002/2008 vice chairman; and Afeez Solate, 2002/2008 set.

The programme was supported by corporate and foundation partners, including Pocari Sweat, Adebiyi Habib Foundation, Hi-Lens Opticals, and Agbabiaka Akeem Foundation.