World Physical Therapy Day 2009 activities - Nigeria

Celebrations by the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) on World Physical Therapy Day resulted in the greatest media boost in the society’s history.

The events were kicked off with a press conference addressed by the NSP President, Rev AO Jaiyesimi and the Chairman at the LOC 'Lagos 2009' conference by Mrs BN Njokanma on the 31st August 2009, which was widely reported in the media.

This was followed by alternate day health talks shown on the TV Lagos channel. Topics covered included: ‘Keeping fit - a way of life’ by UAC Okafor (PRO NSP), ‘The burden of cardiovascular diseases’ by Rev Jaiyesimi (NSP President), ‘Caring for the aged’ by Dr OA Olawale (Chairman, Education Committee NSP) and ‘Physiotherapy in spinal cord injuries’ by Mr Odunlami MO (Chief PT NOH Igbobi). MITV also featured NSP on their news event on 2nd and 7th September.

On arrival at Owerri, Imo state (where the National Executive Council NSPNEC chose to mark World Physical Therapy Day), the NSPNEC held another press conference on the 7th of September to herald the day.

All the Eastern state chapters joined forces with the newly inaugurated Imo state chapter and the NSPNEC to project the physiotherapy profession in a great light attracting the presence of two state commissioners (Health) and (Youth/Sports) as well as some strong words of encouragement from the state Governor.

Events were widely reported in newspapers and across several radio stations.