The Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti in Isokan Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Oba Adegbenro Ajibade III, has urged Nigerians to embrace regular exercise to keep fit and avoid illness.

Mr Ajibade gave the advice at the June edition of “2023 Walk for Like” held in Ifaki-Ekiti.

The various groups including Egbe Irawo Owuro (Oyin Egiri); Adesire Traditional Age Group (Ooyin Ekunle), among others participated in the exercise that took them round four quarters of the town.

Shortly after the walk, the traditional ruler, said that the walk was to create awareness on the need for regular exercise, adding that no fewer than 500 people participated in the exercise.

He said that such exercise, if observed daily, would promote life quality and prevents chronic diseases.

“Exercising regularly lowers your chances of developing diabetes, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke and cancer.

“We are also doing this walk to pass a message to Nigerians and the whole world that being together is where our strength lies. We don’t need to agitate unnecessarily.

“Though, there are numerous challenges in the country and the government is trying, we can do better. Walk for life, unity, endurance is a message to the Nigerian Government, that unity is important,” Ajibade said.

The traditional ruler urged the government to ensure and maintain justice, saying that nobody could achieve unity while jettisoning justice and equity.

The June edition of the Walk was sponsored by Mr Kunle Aina, on behalf of his age group, Egbe Irawo Owuro.

Mr Aina, also an aspirant in the forthcoming local Government/LCDA elections in the state, said: “physical fitness helps to improve cardiovascular health, prevent diseases and teaches endurance.

“What we need at the moment is the spirit of endurance and learn how to maintain balance.

“Many people are suffering from muscular and joint stiffness or pains, doing fitness exercise like this, helps to overcome many health challenges.

“We want all Nigerians to embrace and tolerate one another, irrespective of race, colour, tribe and language. We must be able to come together as Nigerians and move this nation forward.

“All Nigerians must think as one, we are better together than divided,” he said.

Mr Aina commended the traditional ruler’s leadership role, describing him as “a great unifier”, saying that the monthly keep fit exercise he personally initiated was evergreen.

In his remarks, the Olokun of Ifaki-Ekiti, High Chief Tunji Olaiya, who also participated in the walk, said there were numerous health benefits in walking.

Mr Olaiya said, “It is good to live a healthy and active lifestyle.”

(NAN)