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LAGOS – The growing burden of hyper‑ tension in Nigeria took centre stage in Lagos on Friday during May & Baker Nigeria Plc’s ‘Walk for Life 2026,’ an event organised to commemorate World Hypertension Day. The programme, themed, “Controlling Hypertension Together,” featured a health walk, free blood pressure and blood sugar screening, medical consultations, fitness activities and health talks in collaboration with the Ikeja 1 NYSC Medical CDS Group and other stake‑ holders.
The event underscored the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures in tackling hypertension, a condition often described as a silent killer. Pharm. Patrick Ajah, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, used the occasion to sound a warning about the scale of the crisis. He cautioned that millions of Nigerians are living with dangerously high blood pressure without being aware of their condition, a situation that poses grave risks to public health.
Ajah emphasised that hypertension remains one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney failure, yet many people do not realise they are affected until complications arise. He described the condition as a silent epidemic, noting that the absence of symptoms makes it difficult for individuals to detect without regular screening. “Hypertension is a silent epidemic. Many people are walking around with high blood pressure without knowing it, and this is dangerous,” he said.
Raising Awareness Through Action
The Walk for Life brought together employees, medical professionals, youth corps members and residents of Lagos in a collective effort to raise awareness. Participants joined the health walk through Ikeja, symbolising the importance of physical activity in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Free screenings conducted during the pro‑ gramme revealed cases of elevated blood pressure among attendees, reinforcing the need for regular checks.
Medical consultations and health talks provided participants with practical advice on managing hypertension. Fitness activities demonstrated simple exercises that can be incorporated into daily routines, while nutrition experts highlighted the role of diet in controlling blood pressure. The collaboration with the NYSC Medical CDS Group added a youth‑driven dimension to the campaign, showing the importance of engaging younger generations in public health advocacy.
National Implications
Ajah’s warning reflects broader concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system and its ability to respond to non‑communicable diseases. With the country’s population continuing to grow, the burden of hypertension is expected to rise unless urgent action is taken. Experts say that without sustained investment in preventive healthcare, Nigeria risks facing an epidemic of cardiovascular diseases that could overwhelm hospitals and increase mortality rates.
The Lagos event highlighted the importance of community‑based initiatives in bridging gaps in awareness and access. By offering free screenings and consultations, May & Baker and its partners provided immediate support to residents who might otherwise not have access to such services. The initiative also demonstrated how corporate organisations can play a role in complementing government efforts to improve public health outcomes.
Call For Collective Action Ajah reiterated that controlling hypertension requires collective action. He urged government agencies to prioritise non‑communicable diseases in health policies and budgets, while encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their health. “We must work together to control hypertension. It is not just about treatment but prevention, awareness and lifestyle changes,” he said.
Stakeholders at the event echoed his concerns, noting that hypertension is increasingly affecting younger populations due to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. They called for more public education campaigns, workplace wellness programmes and school‑based initiatives to instill healthy habits early.
World Hypertension Day World Hypertension Day, observed globally, aims to increase awareness of high blood pressure and promote preventive measures. In Nigeria, the day has become an opportunity to highlight the challenges facing the healthcare system and the need for stronger interventions. The Lagos event reinforced the message that hypertension is preventable and manageable, but only if individuals and institutions act decisively.
Ajah’s remarks served as a remind‑ er that millions of Nigerians remain at risk. Without regular screening, many will continue to live with undiagnosed hypertension until complications occur. The event’s theme, *“Controlling Hypertension Together,”* captured the essence of the campaign: that tackling the condition requires joint efforts from all sectors of society.
Looking Ahead
As the Walk for Life concluded, participants left with a renewed commitment to healthier living. The screenings and consultations provided immediate benefits, while the health talks offered long‑term guidance. For May & Baker Nigeria Plc, the event was part of its broader corporate social responsibility agenda, aimed at supporting public health and promoting wellness.
The company’s leadership stressed that such initiatives must be sustained and scaled up to reach more communities across Nigeria. With hypertension posing a growing threat, the message from Lagos was clear: awareness, prevention and collective action are essential to safeguarding the nation’s health.