Dr Richard Okoye says stress, hypertension and diabetes are contributing to serious health problems and premature deaths in Nigeria.
Dr Richard Okoye of SaveALife Mission Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has urged Nigerians, particularly men, to pay greater attention to their health and manage stress to reduce the risk of preventable illness and premature death.
Okoye made the call while addressing members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors at the 22nd All Nigeria Guild of Editors Conference in Enugu.
The conference programme listed Okoye, founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, as a speaker on “The Human Side of Journalism: Managing Stress, Deadlines and Personal Wellbeing.”
Okoye Calls For Regular Health Checks
The medical expert said people could appear healthy while living with underlying health conditions, making regular medical checks important.
He said Nigeria’s difficult economic conditions had made it challenging for many people to prioritise routine healthcare.
Okoye urged Nigerians to monitor their health and seek medical attention when necessary rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.
He also expressed concern about the country’s life expectancy, which he cited as 53.8 years, and compared the figure with longer life expectancy in countries such as Japan.
The figure was presented as part of Okoye’s remarks at the conference and is not independently established in the sources reviewed for this report.
Stress And Lifestyle Concerns
According to Okoye, stress is among the factors contributing to premature deaths and declining health outcomes.
He urged Nigerians to take their physical wellbeing seriously, particularly people working under sustained pressure.
The medical expert said some people spend their productive years working without paying sufficient attention to their health, only to develop serious health problems later in life.
He also identified hypertension and diabetes among conditions that can contribute to serious complications.
“Diabetes and hypertension are the causes of stroke, heart failure and kidney disease,” he said.
Okoye further linked heart failure with sudden death and encouraged people to pay greater attention to cardiovascular health.
Men Urged To Pay Attention To Health
Okoye particularly encouraged men to become more proactive about their health.
He said men should not wait until health problems become critical before seeking medical care.
The advice is consistent with his wider public health advocacy. SaveALife Mission Hospital identifies Okoye as its Chief Medical Director and says the hospital provides specialist services including interventional cardiology, kidney care and emergency treatment.
The Doctors’ SaveALife Foundation, which identifies Okoye as its president, also focuses on health education and awareness about preventable illness.
Warning Over Sexual Enhancement Products
The medical expert also cautioned men against indiscriminate use of sexual enhancement drugs and drinks.
He warned that some products could pose health risks, particularly when used without appropriate medical guidance.
Okoye specifically said medicines such as Viagra should not be regarded as protection for the heart.
He urged men to prioritise their overall health rather than relying on sexual enhancement products.
Seek Medical Care, Not Only Spiritual Explanations
Okoye also expressed concern about people who attribute health problems solely to spiritual attacks instead of seeking medical attention.
He urged Nigerians experiencing health problems to seek appropriate medical evaluation.
The warning was part of his broader message that Nigerians should become more proactive about healthcare and recognise the importance of early attention to health conditions.
Message To Journalists
Okoye’s presentation was delivered at a conference focused on the role of journalism in strengthening democracy and addressing contemporary challenges facing the media.
The 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference was held in Enugu under the theme, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” with discussions also covering election security, professional journalism and artificial intelligence-driven disinformation.
Okoye’s session focused specifically on the pressures faced by journalists, including stress, demanding deadlines and personal wellbeing.
His appeal to the editors extended the discussion beyond professional responsibilities to the health challenges that can accompany demanding careers.
He encouraged Nigerians to take health monitoring seriously and manage stress while maintaining appropriate medical care.
The medical expert’s remarks come amid continuing concerns about healthcare access, medical costs and health outcomes in Nigeria.
SaveALife Mission Hospital says its Port Harcourt headquarters provides 24-hour emergency care and specialist medical services.
