In line with the keynote address eloquently delivered by Dr. Victor 'Gbenga Afolabi, a panel session was held at the D'Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit on September 24, 2025, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference Centre, Ikeja.

Moderated by the convener, Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, the panel featured distinguished speakers including Mr. Avinash Watts, Mrs. Vivian Ihechu, and Mr. Anthony Dike Anifite, who offered valuable insights into the theme "Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness," with emphasis on taking responsibility for our health amidst the current economic realities.

Dr. Monica commenced the session by reflecting on Dr. Afolabi’s presentation, stating, "Looking at the way the keynote speaker has been able to expatiate and elucidate the theme, I want our panelists to expand on it further and enlighten us about the economic reality and the necessity of driving self-care." She connected the theme to one of the pillars of the International Selfcare Foundation (ISF), which is mental health, underscoring its significance in our daily lives. "Self-care is a journey; it is a marathon," she stated, urging everyone to embrace this concept wholeheartedly.

Mr. Avinash Watts took the floor to address the critical role of mental health in self-care, asserting, "The presentation was wonderful. He talked about mental health, which is a very important topic. A study says that the brain and gut communicate with each other; when our mental health is disturbed, issues arise."

He explained the complications of dysbiosis—a microbial imbalance that can occur when mental health is compromised—stressing the importance of maintaining brain health through activities like exercise and meditation. He described the "5E's of scaling—Enable, Equip, Engage, Evaluate, and Embed"—if self-care is not reimbursed, measured, and embedded, it will not scale, and encouraged participants to dedicate time for self-care, building a network of support for motivation in their fitness journeys.

Mrs. Vivian Ihechu resonated deeply with the theme of social connection and mental well-being, particularly as it relates to the pressures faced in her profession as a journalist. "We deal with deadlines, and it’s crucial to set priorities," she commented, noting the potential negative impacts of stress on overall health.

"There are signs our bodies show us before health issues arise, and it’s vital to recognize these signals and seek support." She called for greater promotion of self-care within media outlets and highlighted the government’s responsibility in creating conducive environments for physical activities, stating, "If we are encouraged to walk, we need safe spaces to do so."

Emphasizing the importance of planning for the future, Mrs. Ihechu encouraged participants to maintain connections with aging family members despite busy lives. "A simple call to check on loved ones can make all the difference," she advised. "As we prioritize our self-care, we should ensure those around us understand its importance as well."

Mr. Anthony Dike Anifite focused on the significance of daily routines and at-home maintenance, asserting, "Self-care resonates from our personal activities and dietary choices." He introduced the concept of utilizing digital tools to monitor health and emphasized the need for a holistic approach to well-being that includes entertainment industry professionals.

"In our industry, we must support one another as we navigate the challenges of mental health," he explained, pointing out alarming trends of substance abuse among artists and the need for peer support. "The government can assist by investing in talent development and well-being," he added, calling attention to the significant impact on society.

The discussion culminated in an engaging Q&A segment where participants—including pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders—shared their perspectives and posed questions about incorporating self-care into everyday life and organizational policies.

The panel session not only provided robust discussions but also reinforced the overarching theme of the summit—prioritizing self-care as a fundamental component of overall health and wellness. As self-care continues to gain recognition across various sectors, the D'Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit remains dedicated to empowering individuals to take charge of their health in all aspects of life.

In an exclusive interview with CEOAFRICA, Dr. Eimunjeze, the host/ convener reflected on the success of the second edition of the D'Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit, expressing that "the event has been very engaging and impactful." She noted the importance of hearing from participants about how the self-care movement is resonating across various spheres, moving from an abstract concept to a tangible reality.

"It's fulfilling to see that we are making steps in the right direction and getting more people involved in self-care, which can alleviate wellness issues as we embrace it."

Dr. Eimunjeze emphasized the need for a distinct framework and policies to strengthen self-care initiatives, particularly in sexual and reproductive health. "There are guidelines in place for self-care in those areas, but we must expand these guidelines to cover other aspects and their impacts as well," she explained.

She called on organizations to support and encourage policies that directly benefit the economy by fostering a healthier population that ultimately contributes to Nigeria's growth.

Appreciating the dedication of participants, Dr. Eimunjeze encouraged continued advocacy for wellness and self-care, revealing that the upcoming third edition of the summit will build upon the successes of the first two and offer even more engaging content.

Pharm. (Sir) Anthony Bola Oyawole, Treasurer of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy and former Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Lagos Branch, also shared his thoughts during the summit. Notably, his remarks coincided with World Pharmacists Day, recognized globally by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). "As we celebrate today with the global theme 'Think Health: Think Pharmacy,' it is crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role pharmacists play in healthcare worldwide," he stated.

He emphasized the importance of recognizing pharmacists for their contributions and ensuring they receive the necessary support from the government and other stakeholders. "Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals, and patients can easily reach out to them for consultations regarding their ailments," he added. Oyawole asserted that the pharmacy profession is vital to the nation’s health and called for stronger support to maintain the health of the population.

He urged the Nigerian government to prioritize pharmacists in pharmaceutical affairs, emphasizing, "There should be an adviser on pharmaceutical matters within the Federal Government, specifically a qualified pharmacist, to coordinate all pharmaceutical issues." Additionally, he pointed out the need for the governing council of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to be fully constituted.

"It's not enough to have just a chairman; we need to convoke their inauguration and ensure that all stakeholders are held accountable in the pharmaceutical sector," Oyawole insisted, calling on the Coordinating Minister of Health to take action.