Lagos Bubbles as "Keep Fit Lagos Festival" Takes Centre Stage

Posted : 28 December 2024

It was an electrifying moment on Saturday as scores of Lagosians trooped to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Lagos State-sponsored monthly aerobic programme tagged "Keep Fit Lagos."

The monthly aerobic programme was initiated by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Damilare Orimoloye, in partnership with the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC).

This unique fitness event was designed to promote the culture of healthy living and provide an enabling environment for the people of Lagos to bond and foster unity. It has attracted thousands of Lagosians across the state.

People from all walks of life often flock to Mobolaji Johnson Arena to participate in an initiative that improves physical and mental well-being while raising awareness about health education.

The event was first held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on December 9, 2023, and it is celebrating its first year of consistency.

Ecstatic participants, in interviews, commended the organisers and the Lagos State government for the consistency of the programme.

Sanmi Doherty, the Chairman of Ikorodu City FC, commended the organisers and urged for more time for the programme.

"The 'Keep Fit Lagos' initiative is a fantastic idea and a great initiative. One thing I will say is that having this programme week-in, week-out is not enough; maybe every week or twice a month would be better because I really appreciate what we are doing here."

"What the Lagos State government is doing through the SSA on Sports is amazing. The future of this programme is bright because, most importantly, it is improving our health."

"We keep saying health is wealth, but if we actually want to live long, we need exercise. This type of exercise will reduce frequent hospital visits and medical bills," he said.

Participant Miss Sade Kelani also thanked the organisers for sustaining the exercise over the past year.

"We are happy with this programme; it's something we always look forward to. I've been attending since its inception in December last year. Sometimes, we lack continuity in Nigeria, but kudos to the organisers for maintaining the programme because it has become part of us."

"I want to ask the state government to please ensure its continuity because we are now used to it due to its health benefits. This is the only programme I attend to keep fit," she said.

Ademola Adewunmi, SSA to the Governor on Tertiary Education, praised the programme's impact.

"It’s amazing that this programme is already one year old. It feels like it started just yesterday, but the fact that it has sustained itself for a year is incredible. Thank God the organisers kept it within the theme agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu."

"Lagos is the economic hub of the country, so its citizens must be fit to keep the economy vibrant. A healthy people are a wealthy nation; when the people are healthy, they will be productive," he said.

Onaopemipo Adu, SSA on Sports Marketing and Administration, praised the vision behind the event.

"Lagos is known as the Centre of Excellence, and we certainly want to keep fit. This event embodies the good health of the people. Now, we have many brands onboard sponsoring the programme, and we've done campaigns to bring in more people, as evidenced by the large turnout today."

"We expect even more brands to join the campaign and support the event. We have something planned to make the programme more visible to citizens next year," he said.

For Asiru Abdullahi, the event has achieved its objective.

"I am here today to keep fit, just like I have been attending since January. It has been great. The first thing I learned here is that health is wealth, and we need to focus on both physical and mental health."

"We need to work out because most of us are sitting in offices from Monday to Friday, so taking time to work out is necessary for at least one or two days a week. The organisers are doing a good job; they should keep it up," he said.

Microbiologist Amaka Ogechukwu emphasized the health benefits of the programme.

"This is my first time, and it was fun. I came all the way from Ikate Elegushi because of the benefits. My trainer introduced me to the programme, and I was excited about it."

"I'm happy to be part of this. As a professional, such programmes are highly beneficial, and I would advise the government to sustain it. The expenses may not be easy, but the benefits should outweigh the financial implications," she said.

Nita Roli from Delta State, in a chat, expressed her admiration for the initiative.

"I came to Lagos to celebrate the festive season with my family, and I was told about this programme. I'm impressed with this type of programme—it helps to keep fit and healthy, and the fun part makes it even more interesting," she said.

Another participant, Liasu Alhameen, shared that his first experience at the aerobic programme was memorable.

"This is my first time, and I came because someone sent me the programme link, and I registered. It’s a programme full of fun, and I’ll definitely attend more in the future."

For Business Instructor Kahleed Ahmad, it was an amazing programme with numerous benefits.

"This is an amazing programme because fitness should be a lifestyle. It's fantastic to see so many people coming out to get fit. This is one of the best ways to help the citizens, as many people need programmes like this," he said.

The convener of "Keep Fit Lagos," Damilare Orimoloye, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support of the programme.

"First, I appreciate my principal, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his immense support. He gave us the platform, and this is the outstanding result. I also appreciate the Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), and the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports."

"Yes, the pressure to be consistent has been intense, but we have been able to put it together, thanks to everyone. The future of the event is bright, as we've been able to involve many people and provide a conducive environment."

Orimoloye added, "We have people paying a lot of money to go to fitness centers, but here we are providing the same opportunity free of charge to Lagosians. It's one of the best things we can do for our people."

"We want to extend this programme even further because many people are still asking for our attention. The Ikorodu axis, Badagry, Agege, Epe, Apapa, Alimosho, Festac, Lekki—we aim to spread the good news. I’m sure there are people with health-related issues among those attending, but they are getting better."

Over 500 participants attended the Keep Fit Lagos Festival.

Lagos Bubbles as "Keep Fit Lagos Festival" Takes Centre Stage

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