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By Ugochukwu Ibezim
Waka Community International Foundation, in collaboration with Q-Life Family Clinic and Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), has reinforced its advocacy through the 2026 edition of its global wellness walk.
The initiative, which began on March 18, 2022, has continued to expand in reach and impact, with the organisations hosting their sixth road walk, themed “Let’s Waka with Q-Life and HEI.”
Founder of Waka Community International Foundation, Sir Lorenz Mba, said this year’s edition also marked the fourth memorial walk held in honour of Dr Adetokunbo Alakija, a former medical director of Q-Life Family Clinic, pioneer member of Waka Community International Foundation, and former chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA). He was also a director of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) and a respected figure in public health advocacy.
Organisers described the event as both a tribute to Dr. Alakija’s enduring legacy and a fulfillment of a promise to immortalize his contributions to healthcare and community development.
He also added that beyond its commemorative significance, the initiative continues to champion preventive health practices through its flagship global event, Wakathon, which encourages individuals to take responsibility for their physical and mental wellbeing.
The 2026 Wakathon took place in Lagos, with the main walk commencing from the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy along Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase One. Simultaneously, members of the foundation across various cities in Nigeria and over 48 countries participated in solidarity walks.
At the heart of the campaign is a simple but powerful message: a healthy nation is a wealthy one. He also emphasized five key pillars of preventive healthcare: regular walking, healthy eating in controlled portions, proper hydration, adequate sleep, and strength training, particularly for individuals aged 45 and above, to maintain muscle mass and prevent conditions such as sarcopenia and osteopenia.
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They further highlighted walking as the oldest, safest, and most inclusive form of exercise. As a low-impact activity, walking is gentle on the knees and ankles while offering numerous benefits, including weight management, improved cardiovascular fitness, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Walking also improves mental wellbeing by clearing the mind and boosting mood.
Participants at the Lagos event enjoyed free medical screenings, branded T-shirts, refreshments, and entertainment provided by a live DJ along the route, creating an engaging and community-driven atmosphere. The medical team of Q-Life Family Clinic provided free health checks to all interested participants and members of the public as part of its social sustainability efforts.
To further incentivise participation, the foundation promotes the Waka International App, which rewards users for walking, thereby making wellness both engaging and beneficial.
Supporters across the globe were also encouraged to participate remotely and share their walking progress using the hashtag #WakaMakesSense, reinforcing the initiative’s global reach and community spirit.
Founded in 2021 by Sir Lorenz Mba, Waka Community International Foundation has grown into a global wellness movement with over 58,000 members in more than 48 countries. The organisation gained international recognition in 2025 when it showcased its message on the iconic Times Square billboard in New York.
The organisers expressed profound appreciation to sponsors and partners whose contributions ensured the success of the event. Special recognition was given to Pocari Sweat and The Beacon NG for their support.
They also acknowledged the contributions of the Lagos Business School and its alumni, alongside key public institutions including the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), the Red Cross, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), and officials of various Lagos State Government agencies.
Media partners were equally commended for amplifying the message, while participants, both physical and virtual, were celebrated for their commitment to the cause.
The organisers encouraged participants to continue sustain awareness and inspire others to embrace healthier lifestyles.
Reaffirming their commitment, they called on the public to continue supporting the initiative, emphasizing that collective action remains key to building a healthier society.
As the movement continues to grow, one message remains clear: together, lives can be transformed – one waka at a time.
