Towards creating awareness of the need for regular exercise among Nigerians, Muslim faithful, including women and children, have embarked on a 15km walk organised by the Human Concern Foundation International (HCFI) in collaboration with the Centre for Global Peace Initiatives (CGPI) and The Muslim Congress (TMC).
  
The 10th edition of the yearly health and fitness programme, tagged, ‘Walk for Life’ which took place recently commenced at LASPARK Gardens, Jibowu (under the bridge) to Maryland roundabout and back to LASPARK Gardens Jibowu.

Other religious organisations that had representatives at the walk were Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Al-Mu’minaat (the Believing Women) Organisation, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit.

The Executive Director of HCFI and lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. Ibrahim Oreagba, in his address, said Walk for Life is to create awareness on the importance of walking as a form of exercise in the community. He urged Nigerians to walk regularly, at least three to four times a week, saying it gives them a strong immune system.

According to him, “when you walk regularly, it gives you a strong immune system. It also boosts your heart and strengthens your memory cells. The bone cells are also strengthened and it reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and diabetes. So, walking is a very important activity in our life.”

Representative, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mr. Jamiu Idris, expressed delight over the turnout and the participation of women and more importantly, children in the 15km walk. “Walking is actually good for our health. When we walk, we sweat out, belch and reduce weight. It also controls our sugar level. Prevention is better than cure. When you walk regularly, your body becomes healthy.”
  
The immediate former Board Chairman of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, who was part of the dignitaries that joined the walk, stressed the need for the participants to prioritise healthy life and take advantage of ‘walk for life’ as part of the physical activities needed to keep fit.

The Secretary General of The Muslim Congress, Alhaji Taiwo Adeshina, explained that the government and relevant agencies were duly carried along in the exercise. He said: “This programme involves a large crowd and we require the authorities to grant us a permit. We are peaceful people and we want to ensure that our peaceful walk is not hijacked by miscreants.”

In his remarks, Prince Sulaiman Olagunju who represented Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation at the walk said the initiative is a health management system that focuses on prevention.

In his submission, the head of CGPI, Mr Saheed Gbadebo said taking a walk can be life-changing for so many reasons, including physical fitness, mental clarity, happiness and a more healthy body. “Walking can cleanse the mind and body, and you have the opportunity to connect with everything around you. Away from the hustle and bustle, you have the opportunity to feel that the world is such a beautiful place as you take time to enjoy the moment during the walk.”