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…champions healthy living, physical fitness, drug-free campuses
The Director of Sport of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Timileyin Ojumoola
has led student leaders from across Nigeria on a 7-kilometre Unity Walk for Progress in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, with the theme “Walk for Life, Not Drugs.”
The initiative, organised by the Director of Sports, NANS National Headquarters, formed part of activities marking the 90th NANS Inaugural Senate Sitting and brought together student representatives from diverse campuses and higher institutions of learning across the country.
In a statement sent to Daily Sun, Ojumoola said, “Beyond its symbolism as a demonstration of unity and solidarity among Nigerian students, the walk represented a deliberate investment in the health, wellbeing and future of the Nigerian student population.
“The association recognises that academic excellence cannot be separated from the physical and mental wellbeing of the student.
“A student who is physically active, mentally alert and emotionally balanced is better positioned to concentrate, participate meaningfully in academic activities, manage stress and sustain the discipline required to succeed in higher education.”
According to him, equally significant is the theme of the initiative, “Walk for Life, Not Drugs.”
He noted that NANS views the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse among young people as a matter requiring sustained attention, collective responsibility and proactive intervention.
He added, “Drug abuse has consequences that extend far beyond the individual. It can disrupt academic performance, damage relationships, affect mental and physical wellbeing, encourage risky behaviour and ultimately compromise the educational and professional aspirations of young people.
“On campuses, substance misuse can also undermine the safe and productive learning environment that every student deserves.”
Ojumoola explained that the Unity Walk further demonstrated the power of collective action.
“Students and student leaders from different institutions, backgrounds and parts of the country came together not only to exercise but to communicate a common message, there’s no progress without unity,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, NANS President, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye commended the Director of Sports, NANS National Headquarters, for conceiving and organising the initiative.
The NANS Director of Sport expressed appreciation to the student leaders and participants who travelled from various campuses and higher institutions to Abakaliki to be part of the historic activity.
“Their participation reflects the spirit of unity, responsibility and collective progress that NANS seeks to promote among Nigerian students.
“The 90th NANS Inaugural Senate Sitting therefore provides more than an opportunity for institutional deliberations, it also offers a platform to advance conversations around the total wellbeing of Nigerian students. The future of Nigeria depends significantly on the quality, health, discipline and capacity of its young population,” he said.
