Seadogs advocate science-based healthcare, warn against misconceptions on sudden death

He cited hypertension as a common but often undetected condition that has led to preventable fatalities.

“For instance, some individuals are hypertensive without knowing it because they feel physically strong. If they had visited a hospital earlier, they would have been diagnosed and placed on appropriate treatment, which could prevent such tragic outcomes,” he said.

Drawing from personal experience, Mohammed emphasised that perceived physical strength does not equate to good health.

“I have had a personal experience where I believed I was perfectly healthy until I went to the hospital for routine checks and discovered underlying issues. This shows that it can happen to anyone,” he added.

He stressed that the association’s message was to educate the public on the importance of proactive healthcare and to dispel myths surrounding sudden deaths.

“That is why we are placing strong emphasis on the issue of sudden death, to educate people on the importance of proactive healthcare,” he said.

Mohammed further warned against reliance on unscientific advice or practices, noting that while some individuals may appear fortunate, many others suffer adverse consequences.

“The truth is that life itself is rooted in science. When people choose alternative paths that are not based on verified knowledge or research, they put themselves at risk. While a few may appear fortunate, many are not, and we have seen numerous unfortunate outcomes. This is why the message about science-based healthcare must resonate widely,” he added.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Advocacy Committee of the association, Barrister Charles Ndukwe, said the sensitisation campaign was part of activities lined up to mark World Health Day, despite a slight adjustment in schedule due to members’ work commitments.

“This exercise is essentially a sensitisation campaign held in commemoration of World Health Day, which is marked globally on April 7, 2026. Due to other commitments, we had to move our physical activity to today,” he explained.

Ndukwe disclosed that the awareness drive would be complemented by a virtual lecture scheduled for 8 p.m. on the same day, focusing on the theme: ‘Sudden Death: Empiricism versus Diabolism’.

“Later this evening, we will also be hosting a lecture on Zoom to further engage the public on this critical issue,” he said.

He identified poor health-seeking habits, self-medication, and dependence on anecdotal experiences as major challenges confronting effective healthcare delivery in the country.

“Many people do not seek scientific verification of their health status. When they feel unwell, some resort to self-medication, while others rely on another person's experience, assuming that because a particular drug worked for someone else, it will work for them,” he said.

According to him, failure to undergo routine medical examinations has left many Nigerians unaware of underlying health conditions until it is too late.

“Many people do not go for regular medical check-ups to determine their health condition. They do not check for conditions such as diabetes, monitor their blood sugar levels, or examine the state of their vital organs. As a result, individuals may be carrying underlying health conditions without knowing it,” he noted.

Ndukwe challenged the widespread belief that physical strength is an indicator of good health, describing it as misleading and dangerous.

“There is a common misconception that being physically strong automatically means being healthy. That is not correct. Strength is not equivalent to good health,” he said.

He further highlighted how sudden medical emergencies are often misinterpreted, leading to misplaced blame on supernatural causes.

“This explains why we sometimes see people suddenly collapse, in the office, on the road, in restaurants, or even while driving. In many cases, such incidents are quickly attributed to supernatural causes or diabolical influences, especially when the individual is involved in community or political activities,” he stated.

According to him, such assumptions are largely unfounded and divert attention from the real causes rooted in medical conditions.

“However, these assumptions often lack scientific basis. The human body functions on scientific principles, and health issues should be approached from that perspective,” he said.

Ndukwe emphasised the importance of early detection and timely medical intervention in preventing avoidable deaths.

“We are advocating for a shift towards a scientific approach in understanding and managing personal health. People should undergo proper medical examinations and rely on professional diagnosis before commencing treatment,” he said.

“It is important to note that many health conditions, when detected early, can be effectively managed or treated before they become life-threatening,” he added.

He called on members of the public to take advantage of the association’s advocacy initiatives, including the planned lecture, to better understand their health and adopt safer practices.

“Through this awareness campaign and the scheduled lecture, we are inviting members of the public to embrace science-based healthcare practices for their overall well-being,” he said.

The awareness walk attracted attention from residents within the FCT, with participants carrying messages encouraging regular health checks, hospital visits, and the rejection of unverified health practices, as the association continues its push for a healthier, better-informed society.