The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) has organized a knowledge-sharing session focused on liver health, highlighting the causes, prevention, and management of liver damage as part of its ongoing commitment to employee well-being.
According to PenOp, the session attracted over 300 participants from across the pension industry, providing an interactive platform for education and engagement.
The program was introduced by PenOp’s Head of Human Resources, Adaobi Okoye, and featured Dr. Akinkumi Ilori, a medical doctor and public health expert.
In his presentation, Dr. Ilori emphasized the vital role of the liver in detoxification, metabolism, and vitamin storage. He also raised concern over the rising global burden of liver-related diseases, underscoring the urgent importance of preventive measures and lifestyle awareness.
Dr. Ilori highlighted the leading causes of liver damage, including viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol use, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced injury, and autoimmune disorders. He further explained the distinctions between the different types of hepatitis, the vaccines available for prevention, and the early warning signs that individuals should never ignore. He stressed that prevention and prompt medical care are critical to reducing long-term complications.
Addressing lifestyle risks, Dr. Ilori emphasized that no level of alcohol consumption is completely safe and identified obesity as a major driver of liver disease. He also linked obesity to other serious health challenges such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, underscoring the importance of healthy living for liver protection.
He also explained the importance of diagnostic tools such as liver function tests, imaging techniques, and biopsies, noting that these methods play a vital role in detecting liver conditions early and monitoring their progression for effective treatment and management.
Participants were taken through key diagnostic approaches such as liver function tests, imaging, and biopsies, while also being educated on the dangers of leaving liver diseases untreated, which can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer. Preventive strategies emphasized during the session included adopting healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, and the responsible use of medications.
The program also dispelled common myths about detox teas and supplements, highlighting instead the health risks associated with steroids, energy drinks, and environmental pollutants. Broader topics such as liver transplants, donor opportunities, and the value of routine medical check-ups were equally explored.
In her closing remarks, PenOp reiterated the Association’s dedication to continuous professional and personal growth for pension industry employees. It also announced upcoming training sessions scheduled for September, including a data protection workshop designed to strengthen industry knowledge and compliance.
PenOp’s knowledge-sharing series continues to serve as a platform for expanding expertise, promoting networking, and raising awareness on crucial issues that extend beyond finance into the well-being of industry practitioners.[[
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