Follow Us on Google
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali, has urged Nigerians to adopt monthly walking/jogging exercise to improve their health conditions.
Ali gave the advice at the third edition of the NAN Fitness Walking/Jogging Exercise held over the weekend in Abuja.
The exercise, supported by construction giants Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Cway Group, Dangote Industries Limited and energy-based firm, Alfa Designs Nigeria Limited.
Speaking on the sidelines after the exercise, Ali described the initiative as a vital part of the workplace tradition, which had delivered profound physical and mental health benefits.
He further noted that the fitness sessions introduced three editions ago have improved team bonding, raised staff morale, and created a more relaxed work atmosphere where hierarchy temporarily fades.
“A team that exercises together is a team that achieves together. During our fitness walks, there are no titles, everyone is simply a staff member. That camaraderie closes communication gaps and helps the organisation function more efficiently,” he said.
Ali said that beyond fostering unity, the programme had also produced measurable gains in staff wellbeing.
He hinged his advice the significant drop in cases of malaria, high blood pressure, and other common ailments among Nigerians adopting walking and jogging exercise.
“This improvement is attributed to stronger immunity and consistent physical activity. We run a functional clinic, and the reports show fewer cases of hypertension and general illness.
Other News
“Staff hardly visit for everyday complaints because regular exercise has strengthened their immune systems,” he said.
Ali revealed that NAN also operated a fully equipped gym where staff train every Wednesday and Friday, as management deliberately reduced work hours on exercise days to encourage participation.
He said that given the demanding nature of journalism, physical fitness was essential.
“Ours is a high-pressure profession. News gathering is stressful, and exercise helps us unload some of that pressure,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to be intentional about staying active, warning that sedentary lifestyles, made worse by urban living and carbohydrate-heavy diets, fast-track health decline.
“The body is designed for movement. Even simple walking can improve cardiovascular health, circulation, mood and general wellbeing,” he added.
Ali encouraged Nigerians to walk more, use staircases, minimise short-distance motorcycle and car rides, and adopt healthier habits such as intermittent fasting.
He commended staff members for their improved performance, noting that the 5.5km walk was completed in record time compared to previous editions.
Also speaking, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, commended the NAN management for the initiative and reiterated the call for the agency to continue to support FRSC to curb road traffic crashes.
Mohammed, who was represented by Abiodun Akinlade, Deputy Corps, in-charge of Training, FRSC, assured that the organisation would continue to support the agency.
“I want you to use this crucial time to tell the public that whenever they are driving, they should not be distracted; they should concentrate,” he said
