BTvNEWS

Chief Dr. Odetunde Adebayo Peter Smart Urges Nigerians to Embrace Prevention, Early Diagnosis, Exercise and Timely Professional Medical Care

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Kaduna-Nigeria

BTvNEWS: The Medical Director of A. P. Smart Hospital, Kukuri, Kaduna State, Chief Dr. Odetunde Adebayo Peter Smart, has urged Nigerians to prioritise preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, regular medical check-ups and healthy living, while strongly discouraging self-medication, self-diagnosis and reliance on unqualified medical advice.

Chief Dr. Smart made the call during an exclusive BTV interview conducted on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at A. P. Smart Hospital, Kukuri, Kaduna State.

The interview, granted to BTV Online TV, Radio & Publication and anchored by Comrade AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Head, Communication, Research & Strategies, BTV, examined the Medical Director’s professional journey, academic background, leadership experience, the achievements and distinctive approach of A. P. Smart Hospital, challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare sector, preventive medicine, healthy living and practical measures for improving healthcare delivery.

Professional Experience and Academic Background

Chief Dr. Smart disclosed that he is an orthopaedic surgeon with many years of professional experience, with academic qualifications spanning clinical psychology, forensic and criminology psychology, and leadership and strategic studies.

He holds a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Clinical Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Forensic and Criminology Psychology and an MPhil in Leadership and Strategic Studies, while his PhD in Leadership and Strategic Studies is in view at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

He explained that his professional and academic journey has strengthened his commitment to combining medical expertise, compassionate patient care, continuous learning and strategic leadership.

‘We Don’t Wait for Money Before Saving a Life’

Highlighting what distinguishes A. P. Smart Hospital, Chief Dr. Smart said the institution places human life ahead of immediate financial considerations, particularly when urgent medical intervention is required.

“We don’t wait for money before we start treating a patient when the person’s life needs to be saved,” he said.

He explained that the hospital’s immediate priority is to commence necessary treatment, stabilise the patient and save the person’s life, after which the patient is expected to fulfil his or her financial obligation.

“After we have saved the life, the patient will fulfil his own part by paying the bill,” he added.

Chief Dr. Smart identified positive patient outcomes as one of the major successes of his medical practice.

“Part of our success is that our patients get well, with the help of God and our expertise in the medical field,” he further stated.

Building the Next Generation

Chief Dr. Smart also revealed that he runs a School of Health and Technology alongside the hospital, describing the institution as an investment in human capital and the future of healthcare delivery.

“We have a School of Health and Technology where we mould the upcoming generation for the betterment of our society,” he said.

He stressed that properly educating and equipping young people with relevant knowledge and skills is crucial to developing future healthcare professionals and building a stronger and better society.

Solutions to Nigeria’s Healthcare Challenges

Addressing the challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare sector, Chief Dr. Smart advocated stronger investment in healthcare infrastructure and human resources, improved access to qualified healthcare professionals and greater public health education.

He also called for a stronger shift from predominantly curative healthcare to preventive healthcare, stressing that government, healthcare professionals, institutions, communities and individuals must share responsibility for improving healthcare outcomes.

According to him, a healthier society requires collective commitment, greater health awareness and a proactive approach to disease prevention and management.

‘Embrace Early Preventive Measures’

The Medical Director urged Nigerians to embrace early preventive measures and seek medical attention before health conditions become complicated.

“People should imbibe early preventive measures concerning healthcare delivery,” Chief Dr. Smart stressed.

He advised Nigerians to undergo appropriate medical checks, pay attention to changes in their health and consult qualified healthcare professionals whenever they experience persistent, unusual or concerning symptoms.

Exercise and Healthy Living

Chief Dr. Smart further encouraged Nigerians to incorporate sporting activities and regular exercise into their lifestyles, stressing that physical activity should form part of a broader commitment to healthy living.

He advised individuals to adopt appropriate exercise and healthy lifestyle practices while taking their personal health circumstances into consideration.

‘Shun Self-Education and Self-Medication’

The Medical Director issued a strong warning against self-medication, self-diagnosis and relying on unqualified medical advice.

“Nigerians should shun self-education and self-medication and seek professional medical attention,” the Chief Medical Director emphasised.

He explained that symptoms should not automatically be interpreted as a diagnosis, urging Nigerians to allow qualified healthcare professionals to properly assess their conditions, make appropriate diagnoses and recommend suitable treatment.

He equally encouraged Nigerians to undergo regular medical check-ups and seek prompt professional attention whenever health concerns arise.

A Broader Message on National Healthcare

Chief Dr. Smart’s responses to BTV’s questions also addressed broader issues affecting healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

He stressed the importance of improving healthcare infrastructure, strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals, increasing public health education and encouraging Nigerians to take greater responsibility for their health.

He maintained that prevention, early detection, professional diagnosis and timely treatment remain essential components of an effective healthcare system.

BTV’s Public Health Commitment

The exclusive interview addressed all five principal areas contained in BTV’s formal interview request: Chief Dr. Smart’s professional journey, leadership experience and vision; the achievements and distinctive patient-care philosophy of A. P. Smart Hospital; the challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare sector and possible solutions; preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, exercise and healthy living; and public health advice concerning self-medication, regular medical check-ups and timely professional medical attention.

The engagement underscores BTV Online TV, Radio & Publication’s commitment to responsible journalism, public enlightenment and constructive discourse, using credible professional voices to promote health awareness and informed decision-making.

The interview ultimately delivered a compelling message to Nigerians: prevent illness where possible, detect health problems early, engage in appropriate physical exercise, undergo regular medical checks, reject self-medication and seek qualified professional medical attention without unnecessary delay.

For Chief Dr. Smart, healthcare is fundamentally about saving lives, serving humanity, developing future professionals and contributing to a healthier and better society.