The Defence Space Administration (DSA) has intensified efforts to promote health awareness and preventive healthcare among its personnel with a lecture on stroke awareness, highlighting the importance of early detection, risk reduction and prompt medical intervention.
The lecture, which formed part of the October edition of the DSA Monthly Lecture Series, was held on Thursday, 29 October 2026, at the General Leo Irabor Hall, under the theme, “Stroke Awareness: Early Warning Signs, Risk Factors and Life-Saving First Response.”
The Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General PO Ilodibia, was represented at the event by the Director of Policy, Plans and Research, Major General I Otu.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Director Personnel Management, Group Captain A Yusuf, underscored the relevance of the topic, urging participants to familiarise themselves with the warning signs and risk factors associated with stroke. He encouraged staff to pay keen attention to the presentation and acquire practical knowledge that would enable them to prevent stroke and respond appropriately to medical emergencies.
Delivering the lecture, the Regimental Medical Officer, Captain DP Tommy, provided insights into the different types of stroke, their causes, associated risk factors and preventive measures. He also gave an informative presentation on the Ebola virus, explaining its modes of transmission and essential preventive practices.
The lecture featured an interactive panel session moderated by Flight Lieutenant OB Ayeni, with Dr Elsie Ibrahim, Dr Aminat Sani Ibrahim and Dr Emmanuel Nwevo as panelists. Discussions focused on further clarifying the health implications of stroke, identifying common risk factors and highlighting practical steps towards reducing its occurrence.
The session also provided an opportunity for participants to seek further clarification during the question-and-answer segment. Directors, including Brigadier General AJ Ahmad and Brigadier General IP Bindul, alongside other personnel, actively participated by raising questions on various aspects of the presentation, which were addressed by the panelists.
In his closing remarks, Major General I Otu appreciated the Regimental Medical Officer and his team for the insightful presentation and valuable knowledge shared. He urged personnel to put the lessons learnt into practice and extend the awareness to colleagues and members of their families who were not present. He further stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical attention whenever necessary, noting that timely intervention could make a significant difference in saving lives.
Giving the vote of thanks, Miss Odebiyi Omorinsola Folakemi, appreciated the Chief of Defence Space Administration for prioritising the health safety and well-being of personnel. She noted that the lecture was organised at his instance through the Directorate of Administration, reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce.
The lecture forms part of DSA’s sustained efforts to strengthen health consciousness, encourage preventive healthcare practices and promote the overall well-being of its personnel.
