For many men at the bustling Sandgrouse Market on Lagos Island, daily survival depends on their ability to stay strong—both in business and in body. This week, that strength was renewed when the Rotary Club of Lagos stepped in with a gesture that touched both heart and pocket: N50,000 grants each for 40 market men and a heartfelt conversation about the importance of men’s health.
The initiative, part of the club’s focus on Economic and Community Development, injected a total of N2 million into the marketplace. But beyond money, it carried a deeper message—that a man’s enterprise can only stand tall when he himself is well. The event forms part of Rotary Club of Lagos’ decades-long tradition of supporting small traders through micro-credit, grants, and empowerment programmes.
Addressing the traders, President of the Rotary Club of Lagos, Toki Mabogunje, captured the spirit of the day. “We believe that when your businesses do well, your entire community prospers,” she said warmly. “But prosperity starts with you. Your business cannot thrive if you ignore your health. True development begins with a healthy, whole man.”
Her words struck a chord with the crowd—many of whom have faced the crushing pressures of running small businesses in uncertain times. Rising costs, supply shortages, and daily competition take their toll, but the unspoken burden is often internal. Men are expected to appear strong, even when they are breaking inside.
“Stress, anxiety, and burnout are silent killers,” Mabogunje continued. “When your mind is tired, your decisions suffer. But when you’re emotionally stable, you lead better, think clearer, and your business grows.”
The conversation soon turned to physical health—particularly prostate health, a topic that drew nods and murmurs of recognition from the men. Dr. Oginni Ajibola Temitope, guest speaker and medical expert, broke down the warning signs of prostate enlargement and cancer, conditions that many often ignore until it’s too late.
“As market men, your business depends on you,” Dr. Temitope told them. “Ignoring your health is like neglecting your most important capital—you. Prostate issues are silent at first, but when they strike, they can take away your energy, focus, and ultimately, your business.”
He urged the men to eat right, get regular check-ups, and listen to their bodies. “When you feel unwell, don’t wait. Your family and your business need you alive.”
The message clearly resonated. Munirudeen Bakare, Baba Oja of Sandgrouse Market, commended the initiative, saying, “Most of us here are too busy chasing sales to think about our health. This programme is a reminder that our lives matter too. I urge everyone to go for regular medical checks.”
For beneficiary Tajudeen Adeyemo, the day was more than a financial boost—it was a wake-up call. “I thank the Rotary Club of Lagos,” he said. “They didn’t just give us money; they reminded us to take care of ourselves so we can continue to provide for our families.”
With this blend of empowerment and enlightenment, the Rotary Club of Lagos hopes the market men will not only grow their businesses but also live longer, healthier lives—staying strong for their families, their communities, and the marketplace that depends on them.
