Aiyedatiwa leads fitness walk in Akure, promotes healthy living
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has described fitness walk as vital component of healthy living, as on Wednesday he led half-a-million-man health and fitness walk in Akure to promote regular exercise among residents.
The walk, which commenced from the Government House and terminated at the Akure Township Stadium, was organised by a group led by the immediate past Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Kehinde Akinrotoye.
Addressing participants at the end of the exercise, Aiyedatiwa said the initiative was aimed at encouraging physical wellbeing, stressing that regular exercise remains key to maintaining sound health.
He expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout, noting that participants, drawn from government functionaries, the civil service, civil society organisations, artisan groups and security agencies, turned out voluntarily.
According to him, the early morning participation underscores a growing consciousness among the people on the importance of physical fitness, which he said enhances not only bodily health but also mental alertness and spiritual balance.
The governor also used the occasion to address former political aides who were recently disengaged, commending their loyalty and active participation in the march despite their exit from office.
He assured them that the ongoing restructuring of government would not sideline committed individuals, hinting at possible reappointment for many of them.
“You remained committed even after leaving office. That loyalty will not be ignored. Previously, we had about 650 aides, but the plan now is to appoint 1,000. Many of you will still have roles to play,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa further noted that some positions within government remain critical, stressing that certain individuals would continue to be indispensable in the scheme of governance.
Marking the beginning of a new month, the governor offered prayers for participants and urged them to complement physical exercise with spiritual devotion through fasting and prayers.
He expressed optimism that the new month of April would usher in good health, renewed strength and prosperity for the people of the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Segun Omoyofunmi, said the impressive turnout reflected the confidence of the people in the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa.
