Fitness expert urges fathers to stay healthy, invest in good living, longevity

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has reaffirmed its commitment to support smallholder farmers and enhance agricultural productivity in Ogun State by transforming the agricultural sector through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, disclosed this during the official flag-off and sensitisation programme for cassava and rice value chain actors, held at the Yewa South Local Council in Ilaro.

Owotomo, who was represented by the Acting State Project Coordinator of SAPZ, Ibrahim Busi, said the programme was aimed at empowering smallholder farmers, improving access to agricultural inputs, and encouraging greater participation of youths and women in agriculture to boost food production and improve livelihoods.

The commissioner, while urging youths across the state to take advantage of the programme’s opportunities by registering and actively participating, said the initiative would directly impact over 100,000 beneficiaries and indirectly benefit more than 500,000 people through various agricultural interventions and value chain development activities.

Busi, in his welcome address, outlined the four major components of the SAPZ programme: infrastructure development and management of agro-industrial hubs; agricultural productivity; production and market linkages within SAPZ catchment areas; and policy and institutional development support and programme coordination and management.

In another development, as Nigerian fathers join others globally to celebrate Fathers’ Day on Sunday, June 21, 2026, a fitness expert and Chairman of Gategold Fitness Company, Goodluck Obi, has enjoined fathers to value keeping fit as an investment in healthy living and longevity.

The fitness expert, who spoke in Lagos during an interactive session with journalists, urged fathers to pay special attention to their health and wellness, adding that a father is the head of the family and the engine driving all other parts.

He, however, recommended good food, supplements, and a daily exercise routine for all fathers, adding that they should buy the best fitness equipment to keep at home and make use of it.

“Your account balance is your state of health, not the money in the bank. Many people think going to a gym and doing exercises is a pastime of the rich. That’s not true. We all need to stay healthy, regardless of financial status,” he said.