World Diabetes Day: Lions Club Takes Free Screening, Awareness Campaign To Osogbo

Osun: Lions Club Raises Diabetes Awareness, Offers Free Health Screening

The Lions Clubs International, District 404B6, Nigeria, has raised concerns over the increasing prevalence of diabetes, urging residents to prioritise regular medical check-ups as it conducted a free diabetes and blood pressure screening exercise in Osogbo, Osun State.

The exercise, held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Old Garage, Lagos Park, Osogbo, was organised to commemorate the 2026 World Diabetes Day, with a focus on promoting early detection, prevention and effective management of the disease.

The programme also featured health education and medical consultations, providing residents with an opportunity to assess their health status and receive professional guidance on diabetes and hypertension.

Speaking during the exercise, the District Governor of Lions Clubs International, District 404B6, Nigeria, Lion Oluomo Sunday Akere, said the initiative reflected the organisation’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of indigent and underserved members of society.

Akere explained that diabetes was among the nine global causes prioritised by Lions Clubs International, alongside vision, childhood cancer, environmental protection, youth development, humanitarian support, mental health awareness and advocacy.

He noted that while October was dedicated to vision-related activities, including World Sight Day and engagements with visually impaired persons, November was set aside for diabetes awareness and activities marking World Diabetes Day.

According to him, the organisation took the campaign directly to the people through health education, screening and testing to encourage early detection and prevent avoidable deaths associated with the disease.

“Diabetes is a serious challenge globally, and it is a silent killer. When you have it and don’t know, it can gradually kill. That is why we are here this morning to test people and create awareness for them,” he said.

Akere urged residents to take advantage of the free medical services, emphasising that the screening and other services were provided at no cost.

“My message to the people is that they should maximise the opportunity we are giving them here. No one is asking for one naira from anybody. We are the ones mobilising the medical team, doctors and nurses. We are doing this free of charge for everybody,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Diabetes Awareness Campaign Committee, District 404B6, Lion Dr Utho Nicholas, described the exercise as part of the organisation’s annual activities to commemorate World Diabetes Day, observed globally on November 14.

Nicholas disclosed that the campaign began with radio awareness programmes designed to educate residents on diabetes prevention, care and management before the organisation extended the initiative to the streets through practical medical interventions.

He explained that the screening was intended to help residents determine their blood sugar levels, identify possible health risks early and seek appropriate medical attention where necessary.

The committee chairman stressed that diabetes should not be regarded as a death sentence, noting that people living with the condition could maintain healthy and productive lives through proper medical care, adequate knowledge and effective management.

“Diabetes is not a death sentence. You might have diabetes, but with good management and good knowledge, you will be able to live with it and live your life well,” he said.

Nicholas described the turnout at the Old Garage area as impressive, adding that residents had expressed appreciation for the initiative.

He advised members of the public to monitor their health regularly rather than wait until symptoms became severe before seeking medical attention.

“Information is everywhere, and gone are the days of ignorance. You should not be a victim of ignorance. Check your vitals regularly, and if there is any concern, see medical professionals for proper guidance and treatment,” he advised.

He further disclosed that the exercise marked the beginning of a broader awareness campaign, adding that Lions Clubs across different localities and communities would extend the screening and sensitisation programme to reach more residents.

In his remarks, Lion Dr Owoeye Oluwatobi Ajibola said the exercise was designed to provide residents with access to essential health checks, particularly diabetes screening and blood pressure monitoring.

He explained that the exercise initially targeted people aged 35 and above because of the increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, while noting that younger people were not exempt from the risk of developing the conditions.

According to him, genetic factors, unhealthy eating habits and certain lifestyle choices could increase an individual’s risk of developing diabetes.

Ajibola described diabetes and hypertension as related health conditions that often require simultaneous screening, stressing that patients diagnosed with one should also be assessed for the other.

He noted that some people could develop diabetes at a relatively young age, particularly those with a family history of the condition or exposure to certain lifestyle-related risk factors.

He added that residents identified as being at risk during the exercise would receive further consultations, medical advice and referrals for appropriate management and treatment, depending on their individual health conditions.

Ajibola explained that the medical team’s intervention would be determined by the severity of each patient’s condition, with appropriate guidance provided for individuals requiring further medical attention.

One of the beneficiaries, Saheed Adebayo, expressed appreciation to Lions Clubs International for bringing the free medical screening to the community.

Adebayo, who said he had never had the opportunity to check his blood sugar level, described the initiative as a welcome intervention that enabled him to know more about his health status.

He urged residents to take their health seriously by undergoing regular medical check-ups, describing the exercise as a valuable opportunity for members of the public.

“I’ve never had the opportunity to do my blood sugar test, and I’m so grateful to Lions Club for bringing this opportunity. I will advise people in society to take their health seriously and go for check-ups regularly. I’m glad to be one of the beneficiaries,” he said.