By Vivian Emoni
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Caring Lot International Initiative (CLII), an NGO, have called on policymakers to prioritise improving Alzheimer’s disease treatment and increase awareness on it effects.
Mrs Lawunmi Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of CLII, made the call while marking 2025 World Alzheimer’s Day, with a theme, “Remember Me, Empower Me”, in Abuja.
Ismail said that the CLII, ACCI and National Association of Seadogs, Sahara Deck, collaborated to demonstrate their commitments to ensure strong awareness on the effects of the disease and how it can be managed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Alzheimer’s Day usually takes place every Sept. 21.
The Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.
It is the most common form of dementia, a condition where brain cells damage and die, leading to a decline in cognitive and behavioural functions that impact daily life.
The symptoms include memory loss, difficulty with planning and personality changes, which worsen over time.
The CEO said that the disease was a gradual process that needed to be addressed appropriately.
“The disease does not affect only aging. No, people are mistaking Alzheimer’s disease for aging. It is a degenerative disease of the brain.
“So, we are just creating awareness, advocating and talking about Alzheimer’s so that policymakers can put it in their policy.
“We want the policymakers to also know that there is a disease that is not being talked about, that is not also recognised and it is affecting our elderly people,” she said.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of ACCI, said that the theme of the event was both a call to compassion and a challenge to action.
“The theme reminds us that beyond the medical realities of Alzheimer’s disease lie the human stories of families, caregivers and communities, who live daily with the impact of memory loss.
“This theme urges us to foster inclusion, empathy and support systems that uphold the dignity of every individual affected by this condition,” Obegolu said.
He said that the initiative exemplified the chamber’s belief that commerce must not exist in isolation from community care.
The president added that it was evident that the ACCI can drive economic growth while advancing the well-being of people.
He said that the World Alzheimer’s Day was a global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.
He said that the organisations decided to mark the Alzheimer’s Day, even though the event came late, adding that the essence of marking the day was to create more awareness for people.
Obegolu, who was represented by Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of ACCI, noted that more than 55 million people across the world were affected by the terrible disease.
According to him, whether you fundraise for the cause, share information about Alzheimer’s or talk to a loved one about dementia, you can make a difference.
“At ACCI, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that advance healthcare delivery, promote healthy aging and encourage private sector investment in medical innovation and social welfare.
“Our vision is for a society where economic development is balanced with compassion, where no one is forgotten and every individual is valued,” he said.
Also, the ACCI’s 1st Deputy President and Chairman, Caring Lots Initiative, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, said that the ACCI and the CLII were committed to ensuring an effective sensitisation on the effects of the disease.
“Now the disease is getting to that crisis situation that we need to educate people, to show them that this is what is happening.
“So now we are keen on what happens normally outside Nigeria, you will notice that we are celebrating the day, a month after the world celebrated.
“It is because of the lack of awareness, lack of knowledge that had made the logistics for preparation for this event very hectic, making us to celebrate the day a bit late,” he said.
Also, Mr Chike Onyia, President, National Association of Seadogs, Sahara Deck, called on relevant stakeholders to support in the fight against the disease.
“Together we are working to end Alzheimer’s and give hope to our elderly people.”
NAN also reports that the ACCI and NGOs gave people free tests such as Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDs, malaria and typhoid, among others, to commemorate the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu
