The Old Boys Association of Jibowu High School, Lagos, has urged Nigerians to prioritise regular exercise and medical check-ups to maintain good health and promote longevity.

The group said such activities improve both physical and mental well-being while also fostering stronger social connections within society.

President of the association, Teriba Adeboye, made the call during a four-kilometre health and fitness walk organised by the alumni association in Yaba, Lagos.

The health walk began from the school premises and moved through Herbert Macaulay Road beside the pedestrian bridge to Ikorodu Road, Shiro Street, Akinsoji Street, Morocco, Isaac John and Fadeyi Roundabout before ending at the school premises.

Medical check-up services were also provided by health personnel, who examined participants’ vital signs and recommended medications where necessary.

Speaking on the objectives of the event, Adeboye said the initiative was aimed at bringing all alumni together under one umbrella to promote health and physical fitness, foster unity and fellowship, and raise support for sustainable educational initiatives.

He said the association was also creating awareness on the need for people to prioritise preventive measures against hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, which he described as common health challenges among members.

According to him, early detection of ailments would help in managing and reducing health complications. “As the saying goes, a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Ensuring healthy alumni is our ultimate desire. We hope to support sustainable educational initiatives and make it a legacy,” he said.

Adeboye added that consistent walking and physical activity contribute significantly to overall well-being.  He also noted that the association partnered with health institutions that provided medical personnel to check participants’ vital signs and recommend medications where necessary.

According to him, many members are now at an age where greater attention to health is required, hence the decision to combine fitness activities with discussions on the school’s development initiatives tied to sustainable education.

Adeboye reiterated that “a healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” adding that the association’s goal is not only to ensure healthy alumni but also to contribute to educational development as a legacy.

Also speaking, the immediate past president of the association, Mr Tosin Kadiri, said individuals need to take their health more seriously in the face of growing global health challenges.

He stressed that regular physical activity should not be neglected, warning that prolonged inactivity could negatively affect health.

Kadiri, an estate surveyor and valuer, said the exercise also reinforced the importance of education, which he described as the foundation of every society.

He encouraged Nigerians to give back to their communities and alma mater as a way of contributing to societal progress.