The Cross River government has urged residents to embrace unity and sustainable development as they participate in the seventh Calabar Walkathon.

The Secretary to the Cross River government, Anthony Owan-Enoh, made the call on Saturday at the commencement of the walk.

It was organised by a group, Healthy Billionaires, to promote healthy living, unity and community development.

Speaking, Mr Owan-Enoh expressed appreciation to the partners and supporters, including financial institutions, development organisations and fitness clubs, for sustaining the annual initiative since its inception.

“Your growing participation demonstrates the importance of collective action in promoting healthy lifestyles, unity and sustainable development across Cross River,” he said.

Earlier, chairman of the planning committee, Samuel Usoro, said the 2026 Walkathon sought to combine exercise, sports and advocacy around the theme, “Walk for Unity and Sustainable Development”.

Mr Usoro said unity was particularly important as Nigerians approached an election period, noting that political, religious and ethnic differences could create unnecessary divisions.

“Nigerians, residents of Cross River and Africans must recognise their shared humanity and work collectively for sustainable development across the public and private sectors,” he said.

He described walking as an accessible form of exercise, urging residents to adopt healthier lifestyles while contributing positively to their communities and the economy.

He said the event attracted massive participation and generated economic activity, while appreciating sponsors, supporters and journalists for amplifying the message of unity.

Similarly, the assistant secretary of the Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club, Hope Obeten, said the Walkathon began in 2020 during COVID-19 as a community advocacy initiative.

Mr Obeten said the club had undertaken health-focused projects, including medical outreaches, payment of hospital bills and support for vulnerable residents in various communities.

He said the 12-kilometre carnival route was deliberately selected to promote the forthcoming Calabar Carnival, describing the walk as an unofficial dry run for the carnival.

He used the opportunity to urge residents of the state to approach the forthcoming election peacefully, stressing that political differences should not lead to violence, bloodshed or conflict among communities. 

(NAN)