Scores of Lagos residents on Saturday defied the early morning showers to attend the monthly aerobics `Keep Fit Lagos’, held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, formerly Onikan Stadium.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Damilare Orimoloye, had partnered to organise the monthly aerobics programme.
Orimoloye had said that the aerobics programme, from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m., was designed to improve the physical and mental well-being of the people of Lagos.
The epoch-making aerobic exercises launched on Dec. 9, 2023, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, have gained traction over time as many often look up to attending.
However, what made the August exercise unique was the way many of the previous participants defied the early morning showers to attend.
The monthly aerobic exercise, which had side attraction programmes such as games, dance, and refreshments for participants, among others, was well attended, with over 200 people in attendance.
Opeyemi Eniola, the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Gov. Sanwo-Olu on Basic and Secondary Education, in an interview with NAN on the sidelines, commended the participants for defying the odds to attend the programme.
“I am quite happy with the turnout of people in spite of the light shower early this morning.
“I particularly commend the students for their trust in the programme coming out in their numbers. It is good to see them.
“The students have given the programme a priority which is the reason they are here. Starting this way by knowing the importance of keeping fit will go a long way to help them.
“It is not only good for the students, but for the nation at large,” he said.
Also, Adeola Adewunmi, the SSA on Tertiary Education, said that Lagos residents had come to appreciate the programme, hence the reason behind its consistency.
“The residents are very happy with this exercise which has come to stay because this is my second time here.
“We have had a wonderful time interacting with the citizens and am sure they will always be happy to attend.
“We all know that health is wealth, so a healthy people will be a wealthy nation,” he said.
Hassan Adekoya, the SSA to Gov Sanwo-Olu on Transport and Logistics, commended the programme, describing it as an all-encompassing one.
“This is a programme for all, and we must give kudos to Gov. Sanwo-Olu for approving such a laudable initiative.
“My take is that the programme will continue to grow bigger and next time, there will be more games added to it,” he said.
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A participant, 64-year-old retiree, Modupe Shokoya, also commended the state government for the initiative, saying she defied the rain to enjoy the keep fit exercise.
“We cannot be talking about rain when our health should be a major concern; I am happy with the organisation of the programme.
“I know I won’t have to consider the rain again once I get to the field to exercise because I am used to it.
“The only way I can slow down the ageing process is to do a lot of exercises and keep fit. Obviously, the body will react to old age, but, we can as well get involved in things that can slow that down,” she said. (NAN)
