An eye specialist in Lagos, Festus Odunayo Osoba, says his decision to study journalism was driven by a desire to improve how doctors communicate health information to the public.

Dr Osoba, founder of LadKem Eye Hospital, shared his views during a visit by journalists from the Correspondents’ Chapel ahead of their planned 2026 Press Week.

He told the Correspondent’s Chapel delegate that while medicine treats illness, communication is essential to preventing disease.

“In all my research, what I found out is that even in developed countries we have doctors, nurses and hospitals, yet people are still not getting well,” he said.

“Health is behaviour. The only way you can change people’s behaviour is through communication.”

From medicine to journalism

Dr Osoba explained that his academic journey spans several disciplines, including medicine, public administration, public health and law.

But he said he realised that knowledge alone was not enough if people could not understand health messages.

To address this gap, he enrolled at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, where he completed broadcast journalism training in 2018.

“Whether you are a professor or whatever, your degree is useless until you learn how to communicate,” he said.

“When doctors speak grammar to patients, many people cannot comprehend what it means.”

He added that journalists play a crucial role in translating complex information into language the public can understand.

Why journalism matters

Dr Osoba described journalism as a “noble profession” that keeps society informed and safe.

He said accurate information could guide people’s decisions during crises and help them avoid danger.

“Everybody needs information because information is life,” he said.

“Sometimes there are missiles raining everywhere and everyone says don’t go out. A journalist must put that information out.”

He also emphasised that journalists should not only report problems but also guide society toward better solutions.

“If somebody has done well in a particular area, you should say it,” he said.

“But you can also tell them how they can do it better.”

Improving health awareness

Dr Osoba said his long-term goal is to use journalism to simplify medical information and promote healthier lifestyles.

According to him, many illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and malaria could be better managed if people understood prevention.

“If we talk about malaria or hypertension, we must present it in a way people understand,” he said.

“When people change their lifestyle, they spend less on treatment and society becomes healthier.”

He added that the approach could reduce healthcare costs while improving public wellbeing.

Industry perspective

Media experts say health communication is becoming increasingly important as misinformation spreads online.

Public health campaigns often rely on journalists to translate technical data into clear stories for the public.

According to communication scholars, collaboration between doctors and journalists can improve health literacy and encourage preventive healthcare.

The importance of networks

Dr Osoba also stressed the importance of professional relationships in achieving social impact.

“Your network determines your net worth,” he said.

Why it matters

Health experts say poor communication between doctors and patients can lead to misunderstanding, delayed treatment and poor health outcomes.

By combining medicine with journalism, specialists like Dr Osoba believe they can bridge the gap between medical knowledge and public understanding.

He said his mission is simple.

“My motto is to be a happiness generator and a happiness distributor,” he said.

“I want a world where people understand their health and live better lives.”

Nigeria’s fight against health misinformation has taken a new turn, as the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) trained media professionals on blood genetics and ethical health reporting.

The two-hour virtual crash course, held on 18 February 2026, brought together journalists, broadcasters, editors and content creators from across the country.

The session, titled “Inform Right, Inform Well,” focused on improving accuracy in reports about blood groups, haemoglobin genotypes and sickle cell disorder.

SAMI said the training was part of its activities marking World Radio Day 2026 and aimed at strengthening the role of the media in shaping public health awareness.

Why it matters

Nigeria carries the highest global burden of sickle cell disorder.

According to health estimates cited by SAMI, more than four million Nigerians live with the condition, while about 150,000 babies are born with it every year.

Despite this, public understanding of blood genetics remains low.

Misreporting on issues such as genotype compatibility, Rhesus factor, and sickle cell inheritance has often led to stigma, confusion in relationships, and delayed medical decisions.

SAMI said closing this knowledge gap within the media is critical.

“The goal of the crash course is to close long-standing gaps in media reporting on blood genetics,” the organisation noted, adding that blood groups and genotypes are often misunderstood or oversimplified in public communication.

What journalists were taught

The session opened with SAMI’s Communication Officer, Yomi Oyelami, outlining the objectives of the training.

Three modules were delivered by subject-matter experts Tobi Olaitan, Peter Osikoya and Maureen Nwachi.

They covered the basics of genetics, blood composition, the ABO and Rhesus blood group systems, and haemoglobin genotypes.

Participants were also guided through practical explanations of Rhesus incompatibility, genotype testing, and how sickle cell disorder is inherited.

The training included a live question-and-answer session and a simulation of genetic crossing to help journalists understand inheritance patterns.

SAMI’s Administrative Lead, Bolaji Ibrahim, closed the session with a call for more responsible storytelling.

He urged journalists to apply their knowledge to shape informed public narratives around sickle cell disorder.

The wider health context

Sickle cell disorder is a genetic condition that affects red blood cells, often leading to severe pain episodes, infections and other complications.

Many patients require regular medical care and emergency interventions.

However, access to comprehensive healthcare remains limited for many families, increasing financial strain and preventable deaths.

Founded in 2018 by Toyin Adesola, SAMI says its vision is “to have a society where sickle cell disorder is reduced and people with sickle cell and their families are able to live healthy, positive and productive lives.”

The organisation runs two major programmes: Xtracare, which focuses on healthcare management and support, and Touch A Cell, which drives advocacy and public awareness.

What’s next?

SAMI says it plans to continue engaging media professionals and expanding public awareness campaigns through radio, community outreach and organised forums.

For readers, the message is clear: verify genotype status, seek medical advice from professionals, and rely on credible health reporting.

A mental health specialist has warned that the relentless pursuit of success is pushing many young Nigerians toward emotional and psychological exhaustion.

Speaking on the Difficult Conversations Africa, Mrs. Olukemi Oyewole said ambition itself is not harmful  but unchecked pressure can be.

The episode focused on the growing tension between career ambition and mental wellbeing in Nigeria’s competitive environment.

Why It Matters

Nigeria has one of Africa’s youngest populations, with millions navigating academic demands, unemployment and economic uncertainty.

Experts say the pressure to “make it”, often defined by wealth, grades or status is creating a silent mental health crisis.

On the podcast, host Yinka Olaito reflected on what he described as a worrying trend of young professionals sacrificing rest and fulfilment in pursuit of financial security.

He argued that society’s definition of success rarely includes mental stability.

‘Healthy Ambition’ vs ‘Unhealthy Pressure’

Oyewole stressed that ambition is not the enemy.

“Healthy ambition is internally driven,” she explained. “It grows from personal interest, meaning, and fulfilment. Unhealthy pressure, on the other hand, is largely external shaped by family expectations, social comparisons, and fear of failure.”

She shared the case of a young man who suffered a psychological breakdown after being pressured into studying medicine despite personal limitations linked to a disability.

“When young people are forced into paths that do not align with their abilities or interests, the consequences often include chronic stress, anxiety, and depression,” she said.

Mental health professionals say such identity conflicts can damage self-worth and lead to long-term emotional strain.

Academic Pressure and Career Anxiety

Nigeria’s competitive academic culture also came under scrutiny.

Oyewole said the strong emphasis on grades often ignores individual learning differences.

“Not every brain functions the same way,” she noted. “Expecting uniform excellence in narrowly defined areas can be harmful, especially when children and students begin to equate self-value with grades alone.”

Olaito acknowledged that many parents, acting out of concern, may unintentionally add to the pressure by prioritising traditional career paths over individual strengths.

Beyond school, job insecurity and economic instability are compounding anxiety.

Many young Nigerians choose courses based on perceived financial returns rather than passion.

Oyewole warned this may have long-term psychological costs.

She cited the example of a medical doctor who experienced burnout despite professional success and later found fulfilment in a creative pursuit of bag making.

“Passion and meaning matter,” Oyewole said. “When work becomes purely an obligation devoid of personal connection, burnout becomes more likely.”

Social Media and the Comparison Trap

The discussion also examined the role of platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.

Oyewole said constant exposure to curated lifestyles can distort reality.

“People compare their everyday struggles to others’ highlight reels,” she said. “This creates unnecessary pressure and, in many cases, emotional distress.”

Social comparison, once limited to local circles, now happens globally — amplifying anxiety and self-doubt.

Warning Signs of Burnout

Oyewole identified symptoms that are often ignored:

Persistent fatigue

Irritability

Emotional instability

Declining motivation

She said burnout is not simply about long hours but about imbalance between effort, rest and emotional wellbeing.

Industry and Workplace Reactions

Mental health advocates say organisations must also rethink workplace culture.

Olaito argued that many workplaces glorify overwork while undervaluing recovery.

Short breaks, realistic expectations and mental health awareness policies, he said, could reduce burnout risks.

What’s Next?

Oyewole urged young Nigerians to adopt preventive habits.

Regular rest, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition and physical activity are essential, she said.

“Trusted family and social connections are critical buffers against stress,” she added. “Mental health thrives in environments where individuals feel understood and supported.”

She concluded with a stark warning: “If you lose your mental health, the success you are chasing may lose its meaning.”