The Head of Lagos Office, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, says the office will sustain monthly fitness walks to promote staff well-being and productivity.
Omowole said this during a road walk organised by the management of NAN Lagos on Wednesday within the environs of the National Theatre, Lagos.
The exercise began with blood pressure checks for staff to ascertain their fitness levels before embarking on the walk.
She said management introduced the fitness walk to encourage healthy living among staff, noting that the demanding nature of journalism required staff to remain physically fit.
She said the initiative, initially considered as a bi-monthly activity, was adjusted to a monthly exercise to accommodate work schedules while promoting a culture of regular fitness.
“Members of staff can also engage in personal fitness routines by walking regularly within their communities, offices or nearby recreational facilities.
“Personally, I have decided that at least twice a week, I would exercise. Other people can still do it early in the morning or in the evening,” she said.
Omowole urged staff to make exercise a habit, stressing that maintaining good health would enable them to continue contributing effectively and mentoring younger professionals.
She added that years of training, experience and knowledge invested in staff made it important for them to remain fit and productive throughout their careers.
Also speaking, Mr Kevin Okunzuwa, Head of Editorial Operations, Lagos, said the fitness exercise was a continuation of management’s commitment to regular workouts for staff.
He said the initiative followed management’s earlier promise to make the fitness exercise a continuous activity.
“The strenuous nature of the organisation’s work makes regular exercise important for staff’s physical and mental well-being.
“We have decided to mark out a particular day to exercise, rethink and ensure that our well-being is in tune with what the World Health Organization (WHO) prescribes for workers,” he said.
He urged staff to prioritise their health and adopt lifestyles consistent with the WHO recommendations for workers.
Okunzuwa encouraged staff to live healthy, think smart and work smart while maintaining their professional responsibilities.
Mr Olarenwaju Olujimi, Principal Administrative Officer, Lagos, advised staff to engage in regular exercise, saying fitness activities helped ease the body system and promote healthier living.
He said setting aside time for exercise could make staff happier, more fit and healthier, regardless of how little time was available.
Olujimi urged staff to incorporate short walks into their routines, noting that many relied on vehicles and motorcycles instead of walking.
Members of staff said the activity was a welcome development and commended the management for prioritising their well-being.
Mr Fabian Ekeruche, Agric and Environment Reporter, said the fitness exercise was refreshing and beneficial to staff, as it improved cardiovascular health and kept the body active.
He said road walking helped reduce fatigue and prepared staff physically for the demands of the day’s work, adding that all parts of the body were engaged during exercise.
Ekeruche urged management to expand the initiative by introducing indoor and outdoor games, including table tennis, lawn tennis and judo, to promote bonding among staff.
Mrs Taiye Olayemi, Business Desk Reporter, described the fitness exercise as a laudable initiative that could improve staff health, boost mood and enhance mental well-being.
“Exercise helps staff release bottled-up emotions and reduce stress, as journalists we are always absorbed in our work while neglecting personal well-being,” she said.
Olayemi said the activity would strengthen teamwork and relationships among staff, urging management to sustain it monthly to promote bonding and staff development.
Also speaking, Miss Uchechi Afonne, Agric and Environment Desk Reporter, said the fitness walk provided staff an opportunity to unwind and exercise, noting that journalists often became preoccupied with news gathering.
Afonne said regular exercise would help staff stretch their bodies and improve their overall health, particularly as many were not accustomed to physical workouts.
She commended management for organising the initiative, describing it as a beneficial activity that would promote staff well-being.
