Dr. Akinkumi Ilori, a seasoned medical doctor and public health expert
The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) has once again demonstrated its commitment to workplace wellness and employee development by hosting a highly engaging virtual knowledge-sharing session focused on liver health, prevention of liver disease, and effective management strategies.
The session, which attracted over 300 participants from across Nigeria’s pension industry, was introduced by Adaobi Okoye, Head of Human Resources at PenOp, and featured Dr. Akinkumi Ilori, a seasoned medical doctor and public health expert, as the lead facilitator. It provided an interactive platform for learning, awareness, and practical guidance on one of the world’s most underestimated health challenges.
Dr. Ilori opened with an overview of the liver’s vital role in the body—covering detoxification, metabolism, and vitamin storage—before emphasizing the alarming global prevalence of liver disease and the urgent need for proactive prevention. He identified the major causes of liver damage, including viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol intake, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced injury, and autoimmune conditions.
Highlighting lifestyle risks, Dr. Ilori stressed that “there is no safe level of alcohol consumption”, while also drawing attention to obesity as a major contributor to liver disease and its strong link to cardiovascular conditions and type 2 diabetes. He also walked participants through diagnostic tools such as liver function tests, imaging methods, and biopsies, explaining their role in early detection and monitoring.
The presentation took participants deeper into the potential complications of untreated liver disease, including cirrhosis, liver failure, portal hypertension, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic encephalopathy. According to him, prevention is anchored on practical lifestyle changes—balanced nutrition, regular exercise, responsible medication use, and timely medical intervention.
Beyond treatment, the session also addressed broader aspects of liver health. Dr. Ilori shed light on liver transplant procedures, living donor opportunities, and the importance of annual wellness checks, while debunking myths around detox teas and supplements, making it clear that sustainable lifestyle habits are far more effective than quick fixes. Risks associated with steroids, energy drinks, and even environmental factors like aerosols and perfumes were also discussed.
The Q&A segment was lively, with participants raising questions on vaccination, genetic predispositions, liver cysts, and organ donation. Dr. Ilori’s detailed responses ensured the session was not just informative but also highly practical and engaging.
In her closing remarks, PenOp’s HR lead encouraged participants to prioritize routine health checks, embrace safe health practices, and become ambassadors of liver health awareness within their organizations.
The session concluded with the announcement of PenOp’s upcoming training programs in September, including a special workshop on data protection for pension industry employees.
This initiative forms part of PenOp’s continuous efforts to enrich the knowledge base of pension industry practitioners while fostering a culture of wellness, engagement, and professional growth.
About PenOp:
The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) is an independent, non-governmental, and non-profit association established to promote best practices in the pension industry, provide self-regulation, and ensure compliance with international standards. It serves as the umbrella body for all Licensed Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and Closed Pension Fund Administrators (CPFAs) operating in Nigeria.
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