Chiagoziem Laurina Abosi
“Stress no dey show for face, but e dey affect the body.” — Mr. Ade, bus driver at Ikeja Underbridge.
Every day in Ikeja, thousands of workers face long hours, intense traffic, and demanding jobs. From bus conductors and traders to bankers and civil servants, the hustle never stops — and neither does the stress.
As the world marks World Hypertension Day on May 17, it’s important to bring the spotlight to an often silent but deadly issue: high blood pressure.
“My blood pressure was 180/120 — and I didn’t know”
Mr. Ade, a 54-year-old commercial bus driver, shared how he discovered he had hypertension last year after almost collapsing on duty.
“Na one woman for Oshodi market tell me say make I go check. My head dey swell and my eye dey turn. I no believe say BP fit do person like that.”
He has since started medication and now checks his blood pressure weekly at a nearby pharmacy.
Stress is the Trigger
According to Rx Mrs Ifeoma Okeke, a general physician, hypertension is rising among younger Nigerians due to increasing stress levels.
“We see people in their late 20s and 30s coming in with stage 2 hypertension. Most of them don’t even know it until something serious happens — like a stroke or collapse.”
She notes that professions with irregular sleep, long hours, or constant pressure (like banking, transport, trading, and teaching) are most at risk.
“Even small rest na luxury”
Tosin, a 34-year-old trader at Ikeja Plaza, says between attending to customers and taking care of her kids at home, she barely sleeps.
> “I dey stand from morning till night. If customer no come, na wahala. If dem come, na another stress. Sometimes my chest go dey heavy me.”
She admits she rarely checks her blood pressure due to cost and time.
Tips to Prevent and Manage Hypertension
Mrs Ifeoma shares five simple ways to stay healthy, even in a stressful environment:
1. Check your BP regularly – especially if you’re over 30.
2. Reduce salt and fried foods – too much can increase pressure.
3. Stay active – walk when you can.
4. Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking.
5. Rest is key – even 30 minutes of relaxation daily helps.
Where to Check Your Blood Pressure in Ikeja
While free blood pressure screenings may not be consistently available in all centers, here are some reliable options where affordable checks are often provided:
Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Ikeja — Many Lagos State PHCs offer low-cost BP checks.
Ikeja General Hospital — Visit the outpatient department for affordable vital sign screenings.
Registered Pharmacies — Community pharmacies like HealthPlus, MedPlus, and local chemists often offer quick BP checks for ₦200–₦500.
Special Wellness Outreaches — Keep an eye out for health outreach programs by NGOs or local government, especially around World Hypertension Day (May 17).
Let’s Talk Health
Hypertension doesn’t always come with symptoms, but it comes with consequences. It’s time for every worker in Ikeja to take their health seriously.
Have you checked your BP recently?
Tag a friend, share this article, and visit a local pharmacy or clinic today.
Let’s protect our hearts — one check at a time.
