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10 kilometers walk: "Fitness will now be key to promotion," NAF chief speaks

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 15:34 GMT by legit
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Nigeria’s National Football Association Launches “10 Km Walk Fitness” Campaign to Boost Public Health

In a bid to harness sport as a vehicle for mass health promotion, the National Football Association (NFA) of Nigeria has announced a new “10 Km Walk Fitness” initiative, underscoring the role of simple, everyday movement in preventing chronic disease and enhancing community wellbeing. Speaking at the launch, NFA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ikenna Ogbunugha highlighted the campaign’s dual focus: improving cardiovascular fitness and fostering a culture of regular physical activity across all age groups.

The initiative, unveiled last week in Lagos, invites Nigerians to commit to a 10‑kilometre walk—approximately 6.2 miles—each week. Participants are encouraged to log their strides via a dedicated mobile app developed in partnership with the health‑tech firm FitLife, which aggregates data, offers motivational prompts, and awards points redeemable for sporting gear and nutrition supplements. Dr. Ogbunugha stressed that “walking is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce the burden of non‑communicable diseases,” citing global research that links a weekly walking distance of 10 km with significant reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress levels.

Key Features of the Campaign

1. Community‑Based Walks: Local “Walk Clubs” will be established in every major city and township, coordinated by volunteer coaches and fitness ambassadors. These clubs will organize group walks on weekends, promoting camaraderie and accountability.

2. Digital Tracking and Incentives: Through the FitLife app, participants can set personal goals, track their progress, and receive real‑time feedback on pace and heart rate. The app also integrates with popular fitness trackers such as Garmin and Fitbit, allowing seamless data import.

3. Health Education: The campaign will feature weekly webinars led by certified physiotherapists and dietitians, covering topics ranging from proper walking technique to nutrition for active lifestyles. Resources will also be made available on the NFA’s website, including downloadable guides and instructional videos.

4. Corporate Partnerships: To encourage workplace participation, the NFA is partnering with major Nigerian firms, offering corporate wellness packages that include group walk sessions and health screenings.

5. School Programs: Recognizing the importance of early adoption of healthy habits, the NFA will collaborate with the Ministry of Education to incorporate walking challenges into physical‑education curricula. Schools will be equipped with pedometers and tracking dashboards to monitor student participation.

Link to Health Benefits: Evidence from Global Studies

One of the article’s hyperlinks directed readers to a comprehensive review published in the British Medical Journal, which summarises evidence linking regular walking with lower incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and depression. The review highlights that even moderate intensities—such as walking at a brisk pace for 10 km per week—can yield health benefits comparable to more intense forms of exercise. The article also cited a meta‑analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) that recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, a threshold that aligns well with the 10 km walk proposal.

Community Reactions and Early Feedback

During the launch event, several prominent athletes, including former national team captain Favour Jegede and current star striker, Victor Okeke, expressed enthusiastic support. “Walking may seem modest, but it’s the most inclusive form of exercise we can promote,” noted Jegede. “This initiative puts the power back into the hands of everyday Nigerians, making fitness accessible to all.”

Social media chatter has already generated a buzz, with participants sharing progress photos and inspirational quotes. A hashtag, #WalkNigeria, has trended on Twitter and Facebook, indicating widespread engagement. Early adopters have reported increased energy levels and improved sleep quality after a few weeks of consistent walking.

Addressing Barriers to Physical Activity

The campaign also acknowledges common barriers that prevent Nigerians from engaging in regular exercise, such as time constraints, lack of safe walking routes, and misinformation about the effectiveness of walking. To tackle these issues, the NFA is working with local governments to improve pedestrian infrastructure, such as installing crosswalks, lighting, and dedicated walking paths in urban centers. The initiative will also launch a “Walk Safe” public awareness campaign, featuring safety tips for nighttime walking and guidance on choosing appropriate footwear and clothing.

Looking Ahead: Evaluation and Expansion

According to Dr. Ogbunugha, the NFA will conduct an evaluation of the program’s impact over the next 12 months, employing both quantitative metrics—such as average weekly distance logged—and qualitative feedback from participants. “If the data shows a positive shift in community health indicators, we plan to scale the program nationwide, potentially extending it to include other low‑cost activities such as cycling and stair climbing,” he said.

The NFA’s “10 Km Walk Fitness” initiative represents an innovative convergence of sport governance and public health advocacy. By leveraging the credibility of national football, the organization aims to embed healthy habits into the everyday lives of Nigerians, offering a scalable model that could inspire similar campaigns in other countries.

As the first waves of walkers set off from Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, the initiative’s success will hinge on sustained community engagement, robust digital infrastructure, and continuous support from public and private partners. If successful, the program could prove that simple, affordable actions—such as walking 10 km a week—can have a transformative impact on a nation’s health trajectory.