Health
Fitness Walk: NAN, Alpha Designs Promote Health, Cleaner Environment
By Uchechi Afonne
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN, Lagos Office, in collaboration with Alpha Designs Nigeria Ltd, has organised a fitness walk to promote healthy living and environmental awareness.
The Lagos maiden edition brought together NAN management, staff and participants, who walked through designated routes as part of activities promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
Mr Kevin Okunzuwa, Head of NAN Newsroom Lagos, and Chairman Local Organising Committee of the Lagos Operations Fitness Walk, said media workers often neglected their wellbeing because of demanding work schedules.
He said media practitioners spent long hours gathering and publishing news, leaving little time to attend to their physical and mental health.
“Media workers hardly have time for themselves.
“Twenty-four hours, they post news and ensure Nigerians and international communities are well informed,” Okunzuwa said.
According to him, the fitness walk provides an opportunity for participants to temporarily disconnect from their daily responsibilities and reduce stress.
“During the walk, every participant leaves whatever burden they have at home. Come here, no stress. Dance, walk,” he said.
Okunzuwa said the programme featured talks on health and sports, dancing and a raffle draw, all designed to encourage participants to embrace healthier lifestyles.
He said physical activity and relaxation could help workers manage stress and avoid becoming overwhelmed by work and other pressures.
The committee member also said the presence of top management from Abuja demonstrated the seriousness attached to staff welfare and wellbeing.
“The presence of top management just shows the seriousness management has and the interest it has in the wellbeing of its staffers,” he said.
Okunzuwa also encouraged workers who did not participate in the walk to take wellness seriously and make time for physical activities.
“For those who didn’t come, they missed a lot,” he said.
He commended Alpha Designs, the event’s sponsor, for supporting the fitness initiative and promoting wellness among workers.
Also speaking, Ugochi Onyeabor, a Business Development Personnel with Alpha Designs, urged Nigerians to prioritise their health through regular physical activity.
Onyeabor said simple exercises such as walking contributed to stronger bones and muscles, improved blood circulation and better heart function.
“We care about making money and our jobs, but we tend to push our health to the side until it becomes something serious,” she said.
She said fitness activities could also improve social and mental wellbeing by providing opportunities for people to interact, network and relax.
Onyeabor added that walking could support environmental sustainability when used as an alternative to motorised transport for suitable short-distance journeys.
She explained that walking instead of using vehicles could reduce fuel consumption and emissions, thereby contributing to improved air quality.
Onyeabor said Alpha Designs, an engineering servicing company in the oil and gas industry, provided compressed natural gas (CNG) solutions and greenhouse gas emission management services.
She said the company used optical gas imaging technology to detect and quantify gas leaks as part of its greenhouse gas emission management services.
Onyeabor also introduced the company’s Genesis New Vision application, which combines social, health, environmental, innovation and charity features.
According to her, its health section allows users to monitor daily steps, set fitness goals and calculate calories consumed or burned.
She added that the application provides health communities where users could interact, support and encourage one another.
Onyeabor said its environmental section also enabled users to report and comment on environmental issues observed in their surroundings.
She urged Nigerians to become more intentional about their lifestyles and make personal health a priority.
“I want to encourage people to care more about their health. They should be more intentional about their lifestyle,” she said.
The organisers said the initiative demonstrated how simple activities such as walking could promote personal wellbeing while encouraging environmentally responsible choices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
