The Alumni Association of Jibowu High School (JHS) Lagos has called on Nigerians to prioritize regular physical exercise to maintain fitness and ensure longevity. The group emphasized that such activities enhance physical and mental health while fostering social connections within the community.
President's Charge at Fitness Walk
Mr. Teriba Adeboye, President of the association, delivered this charge during a four-kilometre health and fitness walk organized by the group. The walk commenced at the school, traversed Herbert Macaulay Road beside the pedestrian bridge, continued to Ikorodu Road, Shiro Street, Akinsoji Street, Morocco, Isaac John, Fadeyi Roundabout, and concluded back at the school premises.
Adeboye explained that the fitness walk aimed to unite all alumni under one umbrella to promote health and physical fitness, foster unity, fellowship, and shared purpose, as well as garner support for sustainable educational initiatives. He noted that the association is raising awareness about the need for preventive measures against hypertension, cardiovascular challenges, and diabetes, which are prevalent health issues among peers. Early detection of ailments, he added, can help alleviate and manage such conditions.
"As the saying goes, a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Ensuring healthy alumni is our ultimate desire. We hope to support sustainable educational initiatives and make this a lasting legacy," Adeboye stated. He further remarked that recent insights indicate that keeping one's legs active largely contributes to overall body health.
"Why we tag this health walk, to a large extent, is that we have to continue to walk. Walking will help us remain as fit as possible. We have to continue to walk to stay healthy, and there are plans to make this an annual event. Healthy living and exercise will also help sustain your health," he said.
Adeboye disclosed that the association partnered with several health institutions, which provided pharmaceutical drugs to support members. "All of us are reaching thresholds in terms of age that require significant attention to our health and well-being. So, we came up with the idea and opportunity for everyone to converge at the school and also use the chance to conduct a first-hand assessment of the school's current state. We tied it to a health fitness walk and sustainable education, hosting the start and finish within the school premises," he explained.
Past President's Perspective
Also speaking, Tosin Kadiri, the immediate past president of the association and an estate surveyor and valuer, stressed the need to encourage society and association members to take their health seriously. "We face many challenges in the world today, and there is a tendency for everyone to neglect adequate attention to what is required to care for our health. The health walk is to promote health and fully encourage physical activities for our members. You would be surprised that some of them have not engaged in this kind of activity in the last few months or even a year. Ordinarily, this is something we are expected to do about five times a week. If you have not done it for months or even years, imagine the kind of harm you are causing to your health," Kadiri said.
He added, "When talking about education, it is the bedrock and foundation of any society. While undertaking this health walk, we are equally using the opportunity to promote education and the need for us to take our education seriously." Kadiri urged Nigerians to give back to society and the schools they graduated from to help move the community forward.
