A public health physician, Dr Obinna Ebirim has advocated policies that prioritise the safety of streets and promote the good health and longevity of Nigerians.
Ebirim urged policymakers to consider the far-reaching impacts of urban safety on public health. “We need policies that prioritise the safety of our citizens and encourage healthy living,” he said.
He told The Guardian that “the United Kingdom (UK)’s high life expectancy, in part, can be attributed to its safe infrastructure that allows people, including the elderly, to be active without fear. Even if they do not go to the gym, the everyday act of walking can significantly improve their health.
He said: “If we want to see a healthier, more productive Nigeria, our government and policymakers must commit to creating safer and more walkable cities. Initiatives can start small by improving street lighting, policing our cities better, and establishing clear paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
“More ambitious steps could include urban planning that allocates space for more parks and walking trails, as well as regular security patrols, not the type we see with gun-wielding security personnel on vans, but ones walking in our streets in pairs, helping with security intelligence and maintaining peace and order, as we see in the UK, to ensure these areas remain safe.
He explained that Nigerian cities, unfortunately, present challenges to this kind of active lifestyle. The risk of theft or violence on the streets discourages people from walking, especially in the evening. Even in Abuja, the capital city, safety concerns are high.
“The definition of health is not just about the absence of disease but a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being. Safe and accessible environments that encourage physical activity are essential to achieving good health”.
Ebirim said that safe, walkable neighbourhoods allow families to enjoy outdoor time together, give children safe spaces to play, and allow workers to de-stress by taking walks after a long day.
He noted that Nigerians should not limit themselves to their compounds. But they deserve safe, welcoming spaces where they can exercise freely, benefiting from the mental and physical health improvements that come with it.
According to him, urban planning has a powerful impact on public health. Cities that support active transportation, such as walking and cycling, help reduce the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases. However, accessible green spaces promote mental health and provide residents with a sense of well-being.
Ebirim said policymakers in Nigeria need to understand that promoting public health goes beyond healthcare systems; it involves reimagining and reshaping the environments by creating safer cities that will benefit not only the elderly.
He said Nigerians, often say, “Health is wealth.” However, wealth in health requires more than access to medical treatment. It demands a commitment to creating environments where everyone can live safely and actively. “As a public health physician, I know firsthand that a healthier population is a more productive one”.
Ebirim said that regular physical activity, not only boosts individual health but also reduces healthcare costs, increases workforce productivity, and enhances the overall quality of life. By making our cities safer and more accessible for physical activities, we could see tangible health benefits across the population.
“Physical activity has well-established health benefits. It reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension and promotes mental well-being. In environments that support regular activity, such as walkable cities, people tend to be healthier and live longer.
