By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
IBADAN — As the global community marks World Heart Day on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the Oyo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (N0A) has sounded a note of warning to residents to guard against silent killer diseases, placing cardiovascular complications on the front burner.
The State Director of the Agency, Mrs. Ajolayo Sinmiat Akande, made the call in a statement issued and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
Anchored on the year’s poignant theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” with a compelling local catchphrase, “Let the Beat, Not the Music, Go On,” Mrs. Akande stressed that the annual observance serves as a vital wake-up call for individuals to pay closer attention to their cardiac health and embrace prompt lifestyle interventions before conditions deteriorate.
She lamented that cardiovascular ailments—ranging from hypertension and stroke to other severe heart-related complications—continue to claim countless lives across the globe prematurely. According to her, these tragedies are often exacerbated by sheer ignorance of personal health status, flagrant disregard for professional medical counsel, and a lax attitude toward taking prescribed medications.
To stem the tide, the NOA boss strongly advised citizens to pivot toward healthier lifestyle choices. She enjoined residents to embrace balanced, heart-heavy diets rich in fresh vegetables and nutritious foods, engage in routine physical exercise, maintain an optimal body weight, steer clear of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and actively manage stress levels.
Beyond lifestyle modifications, Mrs. Akande harped on the indispensable value of regular medical screenings, urging the populace to routinely check their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. She noted that early detection and timely therapeutic interventions remain the most potent shields against fatal cardiovascular episodes.
She further cautioned residents against brushing aside minor or unusual physical discomforts, charging them to seek immediate professional medical evaluation whenever they notice anomalies in their well-being.
“In line with this year’s theme, ‘Don’t Miss a Beat,’ we must all take responsibility for keeping our hearts healthy. Let the beat, not the music, go on. Many untimely deaths can be prevented when we pay attention to our health, seek medical advice early, and make healthy choices,” Mrs. Akande stated.
The State Director concluded by calling on all residents of Oyo State to treat preventive healthcare as a collective civic duty, warning that building a truly productive and vibrant society begins with a healthy population.
