Health and wellness advocates have emphasised the benefits of walking for preventive healthcare and cardiovascular fitness.

The Founder of Waka Community International Foundation, Lorenzo Mba, urged Nigerians to embrace daily walking to combat heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Mba made this appeal during the third edition of Waka Community International Foundations yearly walk, organised in collaboration with Q-Life Family Clinic and Health Emergency Initiative (HEI). The event, held in Lagos, honoured the late Dr Ade Alakijas contributions to healthcare. Waka Foundation has over 55,000 members in 47 countries and encourages a healthy lifestyle through walking and balanced nutrition.

Mba emphasised that individuals over 45 should incorporate strength training to maintain muscle mass. Walking, he noted, is the oldest, safest, and most accessible form of exercise, suitable for all ages and fitness levels and encouraging healthy living.

Alakija was the former Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) Board and a pioneer member of the foundation. Over 800 participants participated in the programme.

His younger brother, Ola Alakija, expressed gratitude, stating that walking is a meaningful tribute as his passion includes health and advocacy.

Executive Director of HEI, Paschal Achunine, highlighted walking as a low-impact, effective way to prevent chronic diseases. Exercise is an escape route from many conditions, and raising awareness about it is a noble cause Alakija strongly supported, he said.

As Nigeria continues to struggle with healthcare challenges, he said there is a growing need for support from organisations and the government to extend wellness initiatives across the country.

One of the participants, Goodluck Orogun, shared his experience: Walking improves lung function, strengthens the heart, builds bones and muscles, and enhances blood circulation to the brain.

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