By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
  • Home
  • International
    InternationalShow More
    United Nations
    4th International Conference On Financing For Development Delivers Renewed Hope And Action For Sustainable Development
    3 weeks ago
    The African Development Bank and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) scale up drive for sustainable urbanization in Africa
    AfDB, UN-Habitat Scale Up Drive For Sustainable Urbanisation In Africa
    3 weeks ago
    UN
    North Africa: Green Climate Fund Approves Record $300m For FAO-designed Projects In Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, The Sahel
    3 weeks ago
    UNICEF
    How Wars Across Middle East, North Africa Affecting Children – UNICEF
    3 weeks ago
    UNDP
    UN Development Programme Welcomes Historic Deal On Sustainable Development Even Amidst Global Turmoil
    3 weeks ago
  • Africa
    Africa
    Show More
    Top News
    Africa Leaders Summit: US To Strengthening Partnerships To Meet Shared Priorities
    3 years ago
    President Ruto Rallies Kenyans To Move Nation Forward
    2 years ago
    Tanzania: United Nations Steps Up Efforts To Build Climate Resilience
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    At Gender Statistics Forum, African Leaders Urge Renewed Commitment To Quality Gender Data
    2 weeks ago
    Ooni’s Wife, Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi Takes Ile Ife Royalty To ADWIN Launch In Cote d’Ivoire
    1 month ago
    Independent UN Body Finds Systemic Racism Against Africans And People Of African Descent
    1 month ago
    Public Exit: Why South Africa Businesses Are Moving To Private Cloud
    2 months ago
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
    Politics
    Show More
    Top News
    Nobody Can Hijack Our Mandate, Vows Osun Gov, Adeleke
    3 years ago
    PDP To Osun People: Oyetola Is A ‘Political Leprosy’, Run For Cover
    2 years ago
    UI Alumni Association Hails Okowa’s Giant Strides In Delta State
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Gov Adeleke’s Outburst Against Aregbesola Shows Sign Of A Drowning Man – ADC Group
    4 days ago
    Youth Party Releases Primary Election Guidelines Ahead of August 16 Bye-Elections
    1 week ago
    Youth Party Appreciate Voters, Rejects Lagos Council Polls, Alleges Widespread Rigging
    2 weeks ago
    Lagos LG Poll: APC’s Osagie Daniel Coasting Home To Victory In Amuwo Odofin’s Ward K
    2 weeks ago
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
    News
    Show More
    Top News
    Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Begins Construction Of First Flyover In Akure
    2 years ago
    Celebration Of Life: Reverend Adewumi Jegede Of Later House Of God Assembly Buried Amid Pomp
    1 year ago
    Pa Abdulfatah Amoo Ayanwale
    Pa Ayanwale Dies At 76, Fidau Prayers Holds 8 August
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    X3M Ideas, SO&U, Noah’s Ark, Others Shine At AAAN Gala Night
    3 days ago
    CAPPA Condemns UI’s Suspension Of Student Activists, Urges Reinstatement
    1 week ago
    She Was an Amazon Who Left Indelible Marks — Ayorinde Pays Tribute to Late Ambassador Adefope
    2 weeks ago
    IMSUAA 2025 Convention Mascot: A Symbol Of Love, Unity And Cultural Diversity
    2 weeks ago
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
    Entertainment
    Show More
    Top News
    Nigeria’s Glo(W)Ing Entertainment Industry: 19 Years Of Strategic Partnership
    3 years ago
    2023 Polls: Stay Tuned To These Channels On GOtv For Breaking News And Analysis 
    2 years ago
    Family, Friends Celebrate As Princess Zara Raji Turns Two
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Unlock More for Less as Big Brother Naija Season 10 Beckons
    3 days ago
    Purp vs Raymu: Who Will Be Crowned The Next Nigerian Idol?
    2 weeks ago
    Local Content Powers African Dreams
    3 weeks ago
    The Drama Returns As BBNaija ‘No Loose Guard’ Reunion Premieres June 23
    1 month ago
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
    Lifestyle
    Show More
    Top News
    Ilara-Epe Kingdom To Confer Chieftaincy Title On Trinidad and Tobago Envoy
    2 years ago
    Bishop Emmanuel Tasks Christians Worldwide On Dedication To God’s Service, As Blood Of Jesus Ministry Holds Ordination For Church Officers
    2 years ago
    Carnival Of Peace: Preparation Begins For The Mainland White Carnival In Lagos
    7 months ago
    Latest News
    Noble Call to Service: Inside the Induction of 104 New Knights of St. Mulumba
    1 month ago
    Joining The Knighthood Brings You Closer To God -Sir Eva Njemanze
    1 month ago
    Africa Tech Festival Unveils Strategic Themes For 2025 Event,
    1 month ago
    Lagos SWAN Joins UN To Celebrate World Nutrition Month At Unilag Confab
    2 months ago
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
    BusinessShow More
    Petralon's Nigerian Drilling Campaign to Boost Offshore Oil Output
    Petralon’s Nigerian Drilling Campaign To Boost Offshore Oil Output
    2 weeks ago
    Year 2025
    How Nigeria Can Unleash Its Economic Potential – IMF
    2 weeks ago
    GTCO Plc Becomes 1st West Africa’s Financial Services Institution To Achieve Listing And Trading Of Its Ordinary Shares On London Stock Exchange
    3 weeks ago
    Unity Bank
    Unity Bank Empowers Young Entrepreneurs With ₦16M Business Grant
    3 weeks ago
    NNPCL Board Accused Of Planning Lavish Party In Rwanda Amidst N210tn Financial Scandal
    1 month ago
  • Health
    Health
    Show More
    Top News
    South Africa’s Cannabis Growers In Pondoland Left Behind By Legalisation Plans
    3 years ago
    WHO
    WHO Expands Health Services Support For Vulnerable Populations In Nigeria’s Northeast
    2 years ago
    trachoma
    WHO Commends Benin, Mali For Eliminating Trachoma As Public Health Problem
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    AIDS Society Welcomes US Bipartisan Move To Protect PEPFAR
    4 days ago
    SSB Tax: Industry Actors, Paid Mouthpieces Slammed Over Campaign To Stop CAPPA
    2 weeks ago
    CAPPA Warns Nigerians On Excessive Consumption Of Sugar-sweetened Beverages, Says Nigeria Is In The Throes Of Public Health Crisis
    2 weeks ago
    Rising Non-communicable Diseases: WHO Wants Higher Taxes For Sugary Drinks, Alcohol, Tobacco
    3 weeks ago
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Reading: Apepa or Arterial Blockage? The Urgency of Self-Care After 45 By Babafemi Ojudu
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
Aa
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
  • Politics
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Health
  • More
Search
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
  • Health
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Independent News Express > Blog > Health > Apepa or Arterial Blockage? The Urgency of Self-Care After 45 By Babafemi Ojudu
HealthOpinion

Apepa or Arterial Blockage? The Urgency of Self-Care After 45 By Babafemi Ojudu

Last updated: 2025/06/05 at 3:47 PM
2 months ago
Share
SHARE

In many parts of our hinterland—and even in our cities—sudden death is often attributed to what the Yoruba call apepa—a mystical demise believed to be caused by malevolent forces who summon a person’s soul from afar. One is said to have been “called,” their life abruptly and mysteriously ended.

This belief, though deeply rooted in our culture, has often led to misplaced blame, suspicion, and years of acrimony among families and communities. But as our understanding of health improves, we must face the truth: most of these sudden deaths are not spiritual—they are medical. Preventable. Manageable. Treatable.

Conditions like undiagnosed hypertension, cardiac arrest, stroke, diabetes, and stress-induced breakdowns are responsible for many of these tragedies. These are not tales from the otherworld; they are the outcomes of neglect, fatigue, and silence.

Just recently, two heartbreaking incidents reminded us again of this painful reality.

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

In Abeokuta, Mrs. Bukola Agbakaizu, a well-loved broadcast journalist with Ogun State Television, reportedly slumped and died at her desk, in the line of duty. Known for her diligence and grace, she died doing what she loved. That alone makes her loss all the more devastating.

Much earlier, we received the shocking news of Mr. Kunle Akinyele, a retired Customs Chief and respected hotelier in Lagos, who slumped and died at the thanksgiving reception for his wife’s 60th birthday. What was meant to be a celebration of life turned into an unspeakable tragedy.

Both were strong, accomplished individuals. Their deaths have left a painful void—not just in their families but in the communities they served and inspired. And yet, their stories are also a warning. A call to awareness. A call to action.

This past weekend, I found myself crisscrossing towns in the Southwest—attending weddings, funerals, chieftaincy celebrations, and birthdays. I wanted to show support, be present, fulfill obligations. But by Sunday evening, I was completely drained. And I asked myself: At what cost?

At our age—particularly for those of us over 45—this constant movement, this inability to say no, this drive to be everything to everyone, is no longer sustainable. Our bodies send us quiet signals before they give way. The question is: Are we listening?

What we must begin to do, urgently and deliberately:

  1. Know Your Numbers: Monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol regularly. These are silent killers.
  2. Annual Health Checks: Schedule a comprehensive medical exam at least once a year. Prevention is cheaper than cure.
  3. Prioritize Rest: Even machines break down from overuse. Sleep, rest, recharge.
  4. Exercise Wisely: A 30-minute daily walk or light stretches go a long way in preserving heart health.
  5. Eat with Care: Cut down on salt, sugar, and processed foods. Let food be your medicine.
  6. Hydrate Constantly: Dehydration contributes to fatigue, headaches, and other health complications.
  7. Decline with Grace: Not every invitation must be honored. Choose health over appearances.
  8. Seek Emotional Support: Talk. Share. Don’t bottle stress or pain. It’s not heroic to suffer in silence.

We must also begin to educate our communities: not all sudden deaths are spiritual attacks. Many are the result of long-ignored symptoms, dangerous habits, and avoidable delays. We must trade superstition for science, suspicion for support, and myth for truth.

Let me share a personal experience that brought this home even more starkly.

A friend of mine had been battling diabetes for years. Instead of seeking proper medical care, he relied heavily on herbs. About three weeks ago, he visited me, and I noticed he looked unwell. I pressed him for answers, and not satisfied with what I heard, I gave him money to go for a medical check-up. He didn’t go.

Days later, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. I sent one of my aides to check on him. To my horror, he had been moved—not to a hospital—but to a relative’s house in a dire state. We searched for him, found him on the brink of death, and rushed him to the hospital. Thankfully, with the swift intervention of Dr. Ariyo and his team at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, he was stabilized and is still on admission today. He is alive—but only just.

That story could have ended differently—like so many others we have mourned.

This message is for the middle-aged and aging among us, for caregivers, professionals, leaders, and public servants who carry the world on their shoulders. It is also for our traditional and cultural custodians, who must begin to champion wellness as urgently as they do tradition.

Let us honor the memories of Mrs. Bukola Agbakaizu and Mr. Kunle Akinyele—not only by mourning but by heeding the warning their passing represents. Let their lives and their loss awaken us to the fragility of life and the power of timely care.

May their souls rest in perfect peace. And may we, the living, make a solemn commitment today to care more intentionally for the only body we have.

Warmly,
Babafemi Ojudu

You Might Also Like

Fr Nwebe Joy’s Blatant Attacks on Evang Ebuka Obi: The Pull-Him-Down Syndrome

PR Maestro of a Generation: Celebrating Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan’s Multilayered Impact on Strategic Communication in Africa

AIDS Society Welcomes US Bipartisan Move To Protect PEPFAR

Buhari’s Shocker: I Look Forward To Leaving, And When It’s Time, I Go To My Grave

SSB Tax: Industry Actors, Paid Mouthpieces Slammed Over Campaign To Stop CAPPA

TAGGED: Babafemi Ojudu
INadminNG June 5, 2025 June 5, 2025
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Print
Previous Article World Environment Day 2025 Mobilizes Commitment, Action To End Plastic Pollution Globally
Next Article IMSUAA 2025 Convention Theme Unveiled As La-Ghost Speaks On Prospects of Heartland 2025
about us

Independent News Express (iNews Express), a publication of 4Ds Nigeria Limited, is birthed out of the desires of the founding fathers to report News as it is.

We value Professionalism, Excellence, Service, Creativity and Integrity.

The Company

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

Quick Links

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

Categories

Find Us on Socials

© Independent News Express. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?