The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has launched the pilot edition of the “Lagos Active Challenge” held in five different locations in the State to address the rising concerns of a sedentary lifestyle and the growing need for accessible wellness and health programmes. The initiative, supported by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was designed to promote physical well-being and an active lifestyle in different communities across the State.
The pilot edition aims to encourage a physically active lifestyle of inhabitants of the state and acknowledges the significance of routine exercise to propagate a healthy society. The “Lagos Active Challenge” exercise was held in five different locations comprising Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Adekunle, Ifako-Ijaiye, Isolo, and Obanikoro.
Speaking on the pilot edition, the Director-General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, reiterated Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s concern about the continued promotion of productive endeavours, which had been driven by active citizens.
He said the essence of the initiative is to leverage the growing number of people who are aware of the importance of exercise in maintaining an active lifestyle. Fatodu stated that engaging in a healthy lifestyle will help to enhance productivity and also support capabilities and abilities towards achieving goals and endeavours.
Fatodu said, “By engaging in aerobics, we are reducing the cost of health and taking away a significant population from the hospital. As a government, we acknowledge the importance of physical exercises and their impact on the socio-economic advancement and development of the state.
“We want our citizens to continue to perform excellently and optimally at their respective offices and businesses, to give the best in terms of their capabilities and abilities,” he added.
Fatodu stressed that by promoting and encouraging Lagosians to embrace the “Lagos Active Challenge”, the Commission is trying to make it a collective responsibility for everyone to imbibe the culture of a healthy lifestyle.
Abraham Abiodun, who participated in the Lagos Active Challenge at Obanikoro, said it is not his first time engaging in exercises, adding that he can even do a road jog from National Stadium to Maryland. Abiodun also lauded the initiative while thanking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for promoting the well-being of the citizens through physical activities.
Also speaking, Hannah Oregwe said the importance of exercises in her body is not something she can describe, particularly because her little daughter encouraged her to imbibe an active and physical lifestyle. She also thanked the Lagos State government for encouraging people to imbibe the culture of routine physical activities.
Mrs. Adebola Ogunlesi, a 45-year-old business owner from Ebute Metta, shared her experience: “Winning was a huge bonus, but what stood out was the encouragement from everyone around me. I never thought I could complete 50 push-ups. This challenge allowed me to push myself, and I feel great knowing I can keep this up,” she said, beaming with pride after receiving her award.
Beyond immediate health benefits, the Lagos Active Challenge aims to establish enduring habits that could lead to improved public health outcomes. By expanding to new communities each month, the initiative aspires to ignite a statewide wellness drive. The programme’s accessibility is expected to empower residents to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
