Lagos: The News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday organized its first-ever Fitness Walk for the Lagos operations, aimed at fostering camaraderie and promoting wellness among its staff, partners, and stakeholders. The event, themed ‘Walking Together for Health and Excellence’, was held in collaboration with Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Managing Director, Mr. Ali M. Ali, emphasized that the exercise sought to enhance physical wellness, encourage team unity, and sustain engagement among employees. Ali highlighted that the demanding nature of journalism often prevents staff from prioritizing their health, urging them to integrate physical fitness and healthy living into their routines to boost both health and productivity.
Ali noted that the agency has introduced fitness walks to encourage well-being among staff nationwide, with similar activities being conducted quarterly in Abuja. He encouraged NAN employees in Lagos and other regions to adopt fitness as a lifestyle, not just an occasional endeavor.
Mr. Ali stated, “The exercise transcends physical fitness; it is about fostering teamwork, bonding, and camaraderie among staff from various departments. In our Abuja headquarters, we’ve adjusted official working hours on Tuesdays and Fridays to allow staff access to the agency’s gym.”
During the event, the Head of Lagos Operations, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole, reiterated the importance of good health for journalists due to the profession’s demanding nature. Omowole mentioned that the exercise also served as a platform for staff to learn healthy practices, such as maintaining proper sitting postures and taking regular breaks from screens to protect their eyes.
She advised employees to engage in activities that promote health without incurring significant costs, especially as medication expenses rise. Omowole added, “The fitness walk, which will be conducted quarterly, enhances relationships among staff, especially those from different locations who previously knew each other only by name.”
The Head of Safety at Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Mrs. Nafisat Adeniran, encouraged staff to prioritize their health, highlighting that fitness boosts well-being and productivity. Adeniran noted Bi-Courtney’s support for staff fitness through subsidized gym memberships and regular endurance exercises and advised against prolonged sitting due to its health risks.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Kevin Okunzuwa, remarked that the fitness walk was designed to give journalists a break from the pressures of their demanding jobs. “The exercise allows staff, partners, and security agencies to relax, interact, and build stronger relationships,” he stated.
Ugochi Onyeabo, Business Development Personnel at Alfa Design Nigeria Ltd, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnerships that advocate for fitness and healthy living, introducing the ‘Genesis New Vision’ app that aligns with this goal. The event saw participation from other partners, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
The fitness walk also offered an opportunity for NAN staff, management, partners, and agency veterans to engage in exercise, interactions, and team-building, featuring health checks and a raffle draw.