Lagos: The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN, Lagos Office), in collaboration with Alpha Designs Nigeria Ltd, has organised a fitness walk to promote healthy living and environmental awareness. The Lagos maiden edition brought together NAN management, staff, and participants, who walked through designated routes as part of activities promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Kevin Okunzuwa, Head of NAN Newsroom Lagos and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Lagos Operations Fitness Walk, highlighted that media workers often neglected their wellbeing due to demanding work schedules. He emphasized that media practitioners spend long hours gathering and publishing news, leaving little time to attend to their physical and mental health.
The fitness walk provided an opportunity for participants to temporarily disconnect from their daily responsibilities and reduce stress. Okunzuwa stated, “During the walk, every participant leaves whatever burden they have at home. Come here, no stress. Dance, walk.” The event also featured talks on health and sports, dancing, and a raffle draw, all designed to encourage participants to embrace healthier lifestyles.
Physical activity and relaxation were promoted as essential for managing stress and avoiding being overwhelmed by work pressures. The presence of top management from Abuja underscored the seriousness attached to staff welfare and wellbeing. Okunzuwa encouraged workers who did not participate in the walk to take wellness seriously and make time for physical activities.
Ugochi Onyeabor, a Business Development Personnel with Alpha Designs, stressed the importance of prioritizing health through regular physical activity. She noted that simple exercises like walking contribute to stronger bones and muscles, improved blood circulation, and better heart function. Onyeabor urged Nigerians to prioritize their health and not wait until it becomes a serious issue.
Fitness activities were also highlighted as beneficial for social and mental wellbeing by providing opportunities for interaction and networking. Onyeabor added that walking could support environmental sustainability when used as an alternative to motorised transport for suitable short-distance journeys, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Alpha Designs, an engineering servicing company in the oil and gas industry, was commended for supporting the fitness initiative. The company provides compressed natural gas (CNG) solutions and greenhouse gas emission management services. Onyeabor introduced the company’s Genesis New Vision application, which combines social, health, environmental, innovation, and charity features, allowing users to monitor their health, interact in health communities, and report environmental issues.
The organisers concluded that the initiative demonstrated how simple activities like walking could promote personal wellbeing while encouraging environmentally responsible choices.