. As HCFI holds Walk for Life, Peace and Unity
Prof. Tajudeen Olalekan Yusuf of the Department of Actuarial Science and Insurance, University of Lagos, has called on the Federal government to legislate mandatory walking for Nigerians, noting that it could significantly reduce the nation’s healthcare expenditure.
He made the call on Sunday, November 30, during the 2025 Walk for Life, Peace and Unity, an annual health awareness event organised by the Human Concern Foundation International (HCFI), aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
Muslim News Nigeria streamed the symbolic 10km Walk for Life live. The event, which lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes, began around 7:00 a.m. at LASPARK Gardens, Jibowu, proceeded to Maryland Roundabout, and returned to the starting point. WATCH HERE
Participants engaged in a brisk walk while chanting adhkār (words of remembrance) and raising awareness with messages such as “Walk for Life, Work for Peace, and Unity”, highlighting the spiritual, health, and communal significance of the exercise.
Prof. Yusuf described walking as a simple, yet powerful habit that boosts physical health, reduces economic strain, and contributes to national well-being.
“If the Nigerian government can legislate mandatory walking for citizens, I assure you it will drastically cut down our budget on curative medicine,” Prof. Yusuf said, adding, “Prevention is better than cure. Walking helps prevent all kinds of illnesses.”
Speaking further, he said, “Walking helps prevent avoidable diseases and cuts down on healthcare spending. Personally, walking is my lifestyle. I can’t remember the last time I visited a hospital or even used paracetamol.”
The Don also highlighted its spiritual value of walking and regular exercise, explaining that it is embedded in Islamic acts of worship.
According to him, “Salat, as designed by Allah, strengthens the body. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said a strong believer is more beloved to Allah than a weak one. He also taught that each step taken to the masjid wipes away a sin and raises one’s rank before Allah.”
While commending the HCFI for organising the exercise, Prof. Yusuf noted that walking should not be limited to an annual event but adopted as a consistent lifestyle.
“I must commend the initiator for assembling us every year. It’s laudable. However, walking like this shouldn’t be an annual event. At the very least, it should be weekly,” he noted.
Prof. Yusuf encouraged Nigerians to integrate walking into their daily routines, such as using staircases instead of elevators and walking to more distant mosques to increase spiritual reward.
“Allah created our bodies to move. He is Ever-Working, Ever-Controlling, and commands us to walk through the earth. Regular walking improves all body systems, saves fuel, and lowers medical expenses,” he said.
Quoting the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he noted that each step taken to the masjid erases sins and elevates one’s status with Allah, strengthening both physical and spiritual well-being.
He concluded by emphasizing that the message applies to everyone: “Even our women should adopt walking. It saves lives, boosts energy, and keeps the body functioning well. The Ummah of Islam is a moving Ummah, not a stagnant one.”
The annual event was attended by the representatives of notable organizations in Nigeria, including The Muslim Congress (TMC), MPAC Nigeria, IMAN, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women), Albaraka Microfinance Bank, as well as members of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) from UNILAG and YABATECH, among others.
Eembrace walking as a healthy lifestyle: TMC
Organisations represented at the walk included The Muslim Congress (TMC), Centre for Global Peace Initiative (CGPI), Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria, Muslim Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation, Albaraka Microfinance Bank, as well as members of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) from UNILAG, YABATECH, and others.
Speaking on behalf of the National Amir of TMC, Alhaji Abdulwasi’i Bangbala, the Secretary General, Alhaji Taiwo Adesina, urged participants to adopt walking as a consistent lifestyle practice.
He said regular walking requires intentionality, especially for those who own vehicles and are accustomed to minimal physical activity.
Alhaji Adesina noted that walking naturally boosts endorphin levels, promoting a sense of well-being that some seek through unhealthy means like substance abuse.
He added that trekking also supports physical and even sensual strength, referencing its alignment with exercises like Kegels.
Constant phone use leads to sedentary lifestyle: CGPI
The Coordinator and Executive Director of CGPI, Alhaji Saheed Gbadebo, praised participants for their early morning turnout, highlighting the importance of prioritizing health and community engagement.
Alhaji Gbadebo encouraged making walking and physical activity a daily habit rather than an annual event, comparing the walk to an engine kick-start that should keep running.
He emphasized the added benefits of walking with others, noting that social interaction enhances both the experience and its positive effects.
The Coordinator recommended regular walks of 30 minutes to an hour to boost blood circulation and oxygen flow, pointing out that early morning offers the freshest air before pollution begins.
He also warned against excessive mobile phone use at home, explaining how it can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle.
According to him, “What I’ve learned is that for too long, we’ve been captive to our mobile phones at home. Often, instead of interacting with family members, we’re glued to our screens.
“Constant phone use can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which is harmful to everyone. What we truly need is to move our bodies e.g. our limbs and legs, and that’s exactly what we’ve done today.”
“Walking strengthens the body, calms the mind, and builds unity: MPAC Nigeria
The Executive Secretary of MPAC, Mal. Kazeem Akindunbi extolled HCFI for organising the walk, describing it as a meaningful exercise that benefits every participant in powerful ways.
Akindunbi said the walk was a timely push for many to restore their energy and reconnect with others with just 31 days left in the year.
He said walking is one of the simplest habits with enormous health benefits, including reducing the risk of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and depression.
“It strengthens the body, calms the mind, and creates space for reflection, helping build healthier and more balanced individuals ready to contribute positively to society,” he noted.
Mal. Akindunbi also emphasized the social impact of walking together, saying it strengthens unity, deepens trust, and sends a message that peace is built through shared experiences and collective action. “Every step taken side by side reinforces the idea that a harmonious nation grows from the efforts of its people,” he said.
Walking is rejuvenating and healthy, says Al-Mu’minaat
Hajia. Basirat Bisiriyu Oreagba, representing Al-Mu’minaat, used the event to dispel the misconception that walking causes stress or fatigue, especially among women.
In her goodwill message, she shared her personal experience during the 10km walk, saying she initially thought she might need to stop halfway but was surprised by her energy and stamina throughout.
“As we reached Maryland, I realized I had overcome half the distance, and completing the entire route was easy. All praise is due to Allah; we are not tired,” she said, describing how she felt rejuvenated, with blood flowing and veins alive, emphasizing that walking is very healthy and uplifting.
Hajia Oreagba also supported Prof. Yusuf’s call for the federal and state governments to make walking a mandatory exercise at least once a month in every local government area.
“It is very important, especially for mothers. Walking will help us be more active at home and make us better women, wives, and citizens of Nigeria,” she added.
Walk for life theme promotes peace, unity and healthy living: Prof Oreagba
The Convener and Executive Director of HCFI, Prof. Ibrahim Oreagba, has explained the rationale behind the theme of this year’s Walk for Life, Peace and Unity, stressing the urgent need for harmony and national cohesion in Nigeria.
“At this point in time in our country, we need peace and unity. We’ve come a long way as a nation, and we believe we all have a lot to benefit from one another when we work together in a peaceful environment,” he said.
Prof. Oreagba noted that beyond the symbolic call for unity, the walk also aimed to raise public awareness about the health benefits of walking, which many people still overlook.
“We use this event to sensitise the public on the significance of walking as a form of exercise. Walking for at least 30 minutes daily helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and stroke. It also supports mental wellness and can even reduce cancer risk,” he added.
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