Jos agog for De Amazone 10 km RoadWaka tomorrow

The serene city of Jos, Plateau State, is already agog for another De Amazone RoadWaka, which will flag off at 6.30 a.m. tomorrow at the National Library, Jos and end at Plateau State Polytechnic, Ramat Murtala Muhammed Road, Jos.

An initiative of Jennifer Okoye, a seasoned sports reporter in collaboration with Plateau State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (Plaschema), the first Road Waka was done in 2018 as an appreciation event for the listeners and fans of Jayfm, who stood behind the station when it was shut down by NBC.

Okoye said De Amazone Roadwaka is an event designed to orient the public on the need and importance of healthy living through physical and mental health exercise.

She added: “De Amazone RoadWaka is geared towards curbing the high rate of obesity, health complications and unhealthy living in our society, which can lead to various sicknesses and early death.

“It is a road show that will consist of different fitness routines (10km walk, aerobics) to help enlighten, educate and engage participants to imbibe the culture of physical and mental fitness.’’

But the race seems to have grown beyond the vision of the initiator, as the 2022 edition will be graced by elite runners and managers.

Steve Nuhu, one of the most successful elite marathon managers and coaches in Nigeria, is leading a team of elite runners that includes Adamu Muazu, Emmanuel Gyan, Deborah Pam and others to the walk.

Reacting to the expected participation of elite runners in the 2022 edition, Okoye said her dream is to take the RoadWaka to the next level in 2023 by organizing a bigger race, probably a half marathon or even a full marathon.

“Why not a full marathon? This event started as a 5km Waka now it’s 10km Waka our next level is a marathon. Don’t forget Plateau and its environs are the home of the best marathon runners in Nigeria, a marathon race in Plateau, followed by an elite development programme will impact our youths positively’’.

Okoye thanks Plateau State Contributory Health Care Management Agency, Jay 101.9 FM Jos, Magxi-Taste Sharwama, NASCO, Nigeria Police, Civil Defense, FRSC and other corporate organizations and individuals who do not want their name mentioned in the media that contributed to the huge success of the 2022 edition of the race.