By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Niger state government has reaffirmed commitments towards promoting healthy living, physical fitness and as well unity amongst not only government functionaries but the entire citizens through, "Sports Awareness Road Walk".
Speaking at the rounding up of the exercise at Government house, Minna, the Head of Civil Service, Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq described the initiative as very important platform for the promotion of physical well-being, teamwork and capable of buikding stronger relationships amongsts different categories and levels of public servants.
"Beyond the health benefits of road walk, routine exercise can be another opportunity for government officials and civil servants to interact, strengthen relationships and also improve flow of communications across the different ministries, departments and agencies".
The Head of Service who represented Governor Umaru Bago also said, "It brings unity and harmony amongst public servants. This is what we aim to achieve because when there is teamwork and bonding, we tend to relate and communicate more effectively. This exercise is one of the activities that will strengthen the bond among public servants".
"As you can see, apart from the Commissioners, civil servants are here also", adding that, though the turnout is not as expected, the Governor expressed optimism that subsequent ones will witness larger turnout of people.
He regreted that the exercise could not continue after it was initially introduced months back due to security concerns, "We must understand that we have not organised this exercise for quite some time, partly due to security challenges. However, going forward, we intend to resume the exercise regularly".
From medical perspective of exercise, Bago who emphatically argued that some health challenges only needed exercise to overcome said some ailments can be prevented, while regular physical activity could help improve overall well-being and reduce risks of certain health conditions.
While encouraging citizens, participants in particular to embrace regular exercise as a routine activity while not forgetting to consider their age, physical conditions and medical history by engaging in exercise suitable for their body.
"Exercise is very important, it helps improve our physical well-being, although it must be done gradually, where necessary, under supervision or as adviced by medical experts, and again, depending on one's age and health conditions".
"Therefore, it is important for everyone to engage in regular physical exercise to remain fit, healthy and relaxed," he said, adding that the exercise, tagged "Bago 2026 Sports Awareness Campaign", organised by the Niger State Ministry of Sports Development will be a monthly event.
Also speaking, the newly appointed State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Isah Wakili, who participated in the exercise alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Garba Nuhu Ngaski and the Chairman Niger Tornadoes football club, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso, being his first official outing since assuming office, expressed satisfaction with the turnout.
Wakili, describing the road walk as a worthwhile programme capable of encouraging greater public awareness and participation in sporting and recreational activities, promised improvements in planning and execution in subsequent editions.
Collaborating the Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry, Garba Ngaski, expressed the importance of sustaining the initiative which he said are part of the state government's broader strategies to promote public health and wellness.
Ngaski said, "The whole idea behind this road walk sports awareness is to improve our health system. When you have healthy public officials, you will have healthy citizens. Sustainability is the foundation, and we intend to sustain it".
The road walk which took off from the, Ahmadu Bahago Sports Complex, Bosso road and ended at Government House had other stakeholders, including the Niger State Football Association (NSFA) and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) represented. NNL.
