The inaugural D’Bio Wellness & Self-care Summit, which ended on Wednesday, brought together industry leaders to discuss the importance of mental health, nutritional awareness, physical exercise, and emotional balance in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The two-day conference, which examined the intersection of technology and wellness brands, also witnessed the launch of an innovative platform aimed at advancing the sector’s digital footprint.
Among prominent professionals who graced the summit were: President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Prof. Cyril Usifoh; Founder of D’Bio Summit, Pharm. (Dr) Monica Hemben Eimunjeze; former PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai; President of the Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria (APIN) and Managing Director of Embassy Pharmaceutical and Chemical Limited, Pharm. (Sir) Nnamdi Obi; President of the Indian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Nigeria (IPMIN) and Managing Director of Jawa International Ltd, Varkey Verghese; President of Medical Staff, Hendricks Family Hospital, Beloit Health System, Wisconsin, USA, Dr Leo C. Egbujiobi; CEO of JNC International, Pharm. (Mrs) Clare Omatseye; and Managing Director of SKG Pharma, Pharm. (Dr) Okey Akpa, alongside other leaders from pharmaceutical associations and institutions.
In his keynote address, delivered virtually, Dr Egbujiobi spoke on the summit’s theme, “Advancing Wellness & Self-Care: Prospects and Perspectives.” He emphasised the critical role of lifestyle management in achieving health longevity, urging individuals to take responsibility for their wellness, regardless of economic challenges. He pointed out that untreated hypertension and diabetes are leading causes of strokes and heart attacks in Nigeria and other African countries, with many unable to afford their medications due to rising drug costs caused by foreign exchange hikes.
“Health and longevity are products of our actions and inactions,” he said, encouraging participants to prioritise wellness by eating organic foods, exercising regularly, reducing salt intake, maintaining emotional balance, avoiding toxic environments, and staying connected with family and friends.
Founder of D’Bio Wellness & Self-care, Dr Eimunjeze, highlighted the significance of self-care in the digital age. She warned of the psychological risks posed by social media, which can lead to depression and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. Eimunjeze urged participants to make time for self-nourishment and care, while also leveraging digital platforms for brand exposure and marketing.
“Self-care encompasses wellness, mental health, nutrition, physical exercise, and rational use of products or services,” she explained.
“Being aware of how these elements affect you will heighten your self-care awareness. Health literacy and awareness are key as we continue to drive this agenda.”
Prof. Usifoh, during a panel discussion, shared his personal wellness regime, explaining that he schedules his phone to switch off at 10:30 PM and turn back on at 6:30 AM to safeguard his mental health. He also attested to the benefits of organic food consumption, particularly traditional foods, which he says contribute to better health.
“One of the first things I did as PSN President was to set my phone to go off at 10:30 PM. Between that time and 6:30 AM, no one can reach me except my wife. This journey is personal—you need to take your health into your own hands,” he said.
Prof. Usifoh also recounted his childhood, noting that regular physical activity, like trekking from the farm, and traditional foods, such as ogbono soup, have anti-diabetic properties.
He added: “These are cultural practices that we should imbibe. Unfortunately, nowadays we lead more sedentary lifestyles. Hopefully, platforms like this summit will help us formulate policies to improve health awareness, ultimately reducing mortality and morbidity.”
He further warned against the misuse of medications, stating, “When people don’t need drugs, they shouldn’t take them. Drugs aren’t the solution to everything.”
During the panel discussion moderated by Pharm. (Mrs) Omatseye, Pharm. Abayomi Onasanya, Beatrice Eneh (CEO of Nectar Beauty Hub), and Lanre Iyanda offered valuable insights into the role of digital platforms in promoting health education and self-care. Technology, they noted, has the potential to overcome loneliness by creating communities where people can interact and support their emotional, mental, and physical health.
Iyanda challenged healthcare professionals to lead by example by regularly checking their own health, while Onasanya urged the medical and pharmaceutical industries to optimize the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for health and brand promotion. Ethical corporations, he added, can use digital platforms to enhance corporate social responsibility (CSR) and health education efforts.
