By Aderogba George
Mr Emeka Nwajiuba, an aspirant for the 2027 Presidential Election, says good health is critical to Nigeria’s political development, as healthy citizens are better able to participate meaningfully in governance and nation-building.
Nwajiuba stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during a free medical outreach organised for members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at the party’s National Secretariat.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach was organised by the Dr Patrick Ezie Campaign Organisation, a House of Representatives aspirant, in collaboration with the Nwajiuba Solidarity Movement (NSM).
NAN also reports that the programme, themed “United for a Healthier Nigeria,” was supported by Silver Cross Hospitals and Foundation, Abuja.
Nwajiuba, a former Minister of State for Education, said NSM was a coalition of young professionals across the country committed to reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape and providing a new direction.
According to him, the movement reflects a growing awakening among youths, medical professionals, entrepreneurs and academics who share a common vision for national progress.
“Nigeria must move in a clearer and more defined direction. This movement is about unity of purpose,” he said.
He added that national transformation must begin with citizens’ well-being, stressing that only healthy individuals could think clearly, serve effectively and contribute positively to the political and economic systems.
“Only citizens who are in good health can participate fully in the democratic process, hence the importance of this medical outreach,” he said.
Commenting on the recent FCT Area Council election, Nwajiuba described the party’s performance as a learning experience, noting that the objective was to engage Nigerians rather than manipulate the electoral process.
“We are not out to rig elections or break the law. Our focus is on engaging Nigerians to examine the party’s values and what it offers at both local and national levels,” he said.
He added that lessons from the election would strengthen future preparations, emphasising that growth comes from reflection and improvement.
Speaking at the event, Dr Patrick Ezie, Chief Executive Officer of Silver Cross Hospitals and Foundation, said the initiative was designed to screen participants for vital health indicators.
Ezie said the exercise included checks on blood pressure and blood sugar levels to identify individuals at risk of serious medical conditions.
According to him, several participants were discovered to have dangerously high blood pressure, while some were newly diagnosed with diabetes.
“Many of the patients who should have been in hospitals came to us unaware that their blood pressure was at risky levels.
“The event emphasises the importance of proactive healthcare, especially among political and community leaders. A healthy nation begins with healthy citizens,” he said.
Ezie also highlighted some shortcomings observed before and during the area council election, including restrictions that he said limited voter participation, especially among those living outside the city centre.
He expressed concern that such developments could affect public confidence in the electoral system if not properly addressed. (NAN)
Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Tosin Kolade
