FIC REPORT (EDO STATE) – The Department of Physiotherapy, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), has called for increased public awareness and regular physical activity as essential measures for preventing lifestyle-related and age-associated diseases.
The Call was made by the Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, UBTH, Dr. Taiwo Oyewunmi, during a sensitisation programme and free medical outreach organised to commemorate World Physiotherapy Day 2026 in Benin City.
The Programme, held at Uselu Market, was organised through a partnership between the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, and the Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy. It was aimed at promoting physical wellness, encouraging active lifestyles and educating residents on ways to reduce the risk of preventable health conditions.
Speaking during the event, Oyewunmi stressed the importance of taking preventive health measures and making physical activity part of everyday life.
According to him, increased awareness of the benefits of movement and exercise could help individuals take better responsibility for their health and reduce their vulnerability to diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles and ageing.
The UBTH Physiotherapy Chief also commended the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, for supporting community-based health initiatives and creating platforms through which members of the public could access health information and basic medical services.
He noted that initiatives that take health education directly to communities were important in bridging gaps in health awareness and encouraging residents to seek appropriate medical attention before health conditions become complicated.
Representing the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Mrs. Juliana Ikharo, reaffirmed the state administration’s commitment to promoting the health and well-being of residents.
Ikharo urged women, particularly market women, to pay greater attention to their physical health by adopting active lifestyles and engaging in regular physical activities.
She explained that simple measures such as regular exercise and maintaining healthy lifestyles could contribute significantly to reducing the risk of stroke, cardiovascular diseases and other lifestyle-related conditions.
The outreach provided residents with an opportunity to receive free health screenings and participate in an energy walk designed to encourage physical activity and promote healthier living.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Margaret Idehen, expressed appreciation to the Office of the First Lady and the organisers for bringing the health intervention directly to the market community.
She said the programme provided participants with useful health information while also giving them access to basic health checks and practical guidance on maintaining physical wellness.
The event formed part of activities marking World Physiotherapy Day 2026 and underscored the growing importance of physiotherapy and preventive healthcare in promoting healthy living and improving the quality of life of individuals, particularly as they age.
Through the participation of the UBTH Department of Physiotherapy, the programme further highlighted the role of physiotherapy professionals in educating Communities, promoting mobility and encouraging preventive approaches to health.This version gives UBTH and Dr. Taiwo Oyewunmi a stronger news prominence, while retaining the role of the First Lady’s Office and the outreach beneficiaries.
By Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
CI&PRO, FIC Benin, Edo State
September 8th, 2026.
