There Is Rising Incidence Of Hypertension Among Adolescents In Oyo State – Health Commissioner
By: Mosope Kehinde
As part of activities marking World Hypertension Day 2025, the Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to early detection and effective management of high blood pressure, one of the world’s leading causes of premature death.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Ministry of Health Conference Room in Ibadan, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described hypertension as a silent but deadly threat that must be confronted with urgency, innovation, and collective action.
The Commissioner emphasized that this year’s theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,” reflects a global call to promote regular screening and lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.
She noted that over 1.28 billion adults globally are currently living with high blood pressure, with many unaware of their condition, and that the Nigerian context is no less concerning, with an estimated 30 to 40 percent of adults affected. In Oyo State, about one in every three adults lives with elevated blood pressure.
“Of particular concern to the state, however, is the rising incidence of hypertension among adolescents. Recent school-based screenings in Oyo State have revealed that 6.3 percent of secondary school students already exhibit elevated blood pressure, a development Dr. Ajetunmobi described as “deeply troubling.” According to her, such early onset is largely driven by sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, obesity, and genetic predisposition. She stressed the importance of integrating adolescent-focused health interventions into state-wide strategies for non-communicable disease control.”
“ Under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde and in line with the Omituntun 2.0 development agenda, the state has adopted a preventive and community-based approach to healthcare. The Oyo State Free Health Mission, one of the government’s flagship initiatives, continues to deliver free screenings for hypertension and other chronic diseases to residents in all 33 local government areas. The program also includes health education, counselling, and referrals, helping to bring life-saving services directly to the people.”
Dr. Ajetunmobi also highlighted the state’s active involvement in Project 10M, a national initiative aimed at screening 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and raising awareness about the importance of blood pressure control. Through this project, she said, thousands of Oyo State residents have been screened, significantly boosting awareness and early diagnosis efforts.
In addition to direct service delivery, the Commissioner revealed that the government is investing in research to better understand non-communicable diseases in vulnerable populations such as schoolchildren and teachers.
She expressed optimism that the findings from ongoing studies will guide new policies, particularly the development of school health programmes that incorporate routine blood pressure monitoring.
She further praised the ongoing public education efforts led by the Health Promotion Unit, which has been instrumental in disseminating health messages through radio programmes, town criers, school clubs, religious institutions, and social media.
“These initiatives aim to ensure that people across all communities—regardless of literacy level—understand the importance of regular blood pressure checks and healthy living.
Dr. Ajetunmobi extended her gratitude to APIN Public Health Initiatives for their technical and financial support in this year’s commemoration. She acknowledged the organization’s role in integrating hypertension screening into services for People Living with HIV, a group increasingly vulnerable to non-communicable diseases due to extended life expectancy from antiretroviral treatment.
The Commissioner urged all residents to take responsibility for their health by regularly checking their blood pressure and making healthier lifestyle choices.
She called on parents to model and encourage good habits in children, on healthcare workers to make routine screening a priority, and on the media to help spread this vital message to all corners of the state.
Newsarena.ng reports that the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, emphasized the importance of every individual knowing their blood pressure status, managing it effectively, and adopting healthy habits to live longer.
He encouraged the public to avoid sedentary lifestyles, engage in regular physical activity, eat nutritious meals, and adhere to prescribed medications.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Publicity at APIN Public Health Initiative, Dr. Oladeji Olajide, underscored the organization’s commitment to raising awareness about hypertension.
He noted that many individuals living with the condition remain unaware of it, making regular blood pressure checks essential.
Dr. Olajide described hypertension as a “silent killer” and pointed out that risk factors such as obesity increases vulnerability.
