The Health Promotion Research Association of Nigeria has honoured distinguished professionals for their remarkable contributions to health education, research, and community wellness during its 22nd Annual National Health Promotion Conference and Workshop held at Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State.

The four-day conference, themed “Creating a Supportive Environment for Sustainable Health and Well-Being,” attracted academics, policymakers, and practitioners who are advancing public health promotion across Nigeria.

It served as a platform to review emerging health promotion strategies and celebrate excellence within the field.

A major highlight of the event was the double recognition of Dr. Okechukwu Kingsley Oforka, an Exercise Physiologist, who bagged both the Fellowship Award and the Distinguished Service Award for his long-standing contributions to health promotion and physical activity advocacy.

According to the HEPRAN Fellowship Committee, Dr. Oforka’s professional excellence, leadership, and active engagement within the Association exemplify the organization’s ideals. The Distinguished Service Award further acknowledged his groundbreaking work in promoting physical activity as a tool for disease prevention and improved well-being.

Currently based in Houston, Texas, USA, Oforka has remained closely connected to Nigeria’s public health community through ongoing research, mentorship, and service initiatives. His studies on exercise physiology and lifestyle modification have informed several community health programs across Nigeria and beyond.

Expressing gratitude after receiving the award, Dr. Oforka, who joined the event virtually, dedicated the honour to “professionals working tirelessly to improve public health through science and service.” He said, “This recognition reminds us that every effort we make toward preventive health and physical activity advocacy counts. Health promotion is not just a career — it is a lifelong responsibility.”

Declaring the conference open, Hon. Dr. Peter P. Akpe, Chief of Staff to the Bayelsa State Government, commended HEPRAN for its sustained role in promoting health education and behaviour change. He noted that creating supportive environments for well-being requires joint efforts from governments, researchers, and communities.

Also speaking, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government and Special Guest of Honour, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to partner with professional bodies in advancing public health. He emphasised that preventive health remains the most cost-effective strategy for reducing disease burden in Nigeria.

HEPRAN’s National President, Prof. C. I. Ilo, explained that the conference theme reflected the Association’s mission to build systems that sustain well-being at all levels of society. “Health promotion is a shared responsibility that depends on supportive environments and collective effort,” he stated, urging participants to embrace collaboration in their work.

The conference featured keynote addresses and lead presentations from experts, including Prof. Braimoh Bashiru of the University of Port Harcourt and Prof. (Mrs.) Ujiro Igbudu of the University of Benin, who explored themes around health communication, environmental health, and community engagement. As the event drew to a close, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing evidence-based health practices, with many describing the 2025 edition as one of the most impactful in HEPRAN’s history.