By Sola Ogundipe

The KB Klub recently held its 55th Annual Philanthropic Day at Marda Barracks, Yaba, Lagos. This year’s event, themed “Even Heroes Need Savings,” focused on addressing critical health issues affecting military personnel and their families.

The event included free prostate cancer screenings for military personnel. Mental health awareness sessions and counseling were also provided by experts from the Mentally Aware Nigerian Initiative (MANI) and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba.

These sessions focused on anxiety management and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This year’s event aimed to reduce male mortality by promoting the early detection of prostate cancer and providing much-needed mental health support.  The officers were also offered private counseling to reduce stigma and promote mental well-being.

. The Klub believes that even those who serve as heroes deserve access to preventive healthcare and mental well-being resources.

Among speakers at the event were Dr. Muhammad Habeebu, an alumnus of the KB Klub and Chief Clinical Coordinator at the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre. He highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare in combating prostate cancer.

A senior registrar at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Ajayi, facilitated a session on PTSD and how military personnel can manage the condition effectively.

Miss Aisha Adelore from MANI offered practical tips on managing anxiety and maintaining emotional well-being, even as the President of the KB Klub, Mr. Madehin Mustapha, reiterated Klub’s commitment to empowering communities and improving lives through continuous service.

Over 100 men and women, including the families of the military personnel, benefited from the sessions and free screenings Many attendees felt empowered to prioritise their health and committed to regular check-ups going forward.

The Klub acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the leadership of Marda Barracks, and its partners for making the event possible. Founded in 1969 at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, the KB Klub, has a long history of philanthropic service and social empowerment.  Through this event, the  Club continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the lives of others, particularly those in the military community.