The Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences (OSPOHAS) on Tuesday hosted its 2026 Rector’s Fitness and Wellness Walk to mark World Physical Activity Day, bringing together staff, students, and members of the host community in a collective drive to promote healthier living.

The event, held in the Ilese-Ijebu axis, was designed to encourage regular physical activity and raise awareness about its importance in preventing lifestyle-related diseases and improving overall well-being.

The fitness walk began at the institution’s administrative block and was led by the Rector, Dr Rasak Akinbo. Participants moved in high spirits through key parts of the host community, proceeding to the Ilese Roundabout before returning to the campus.

Throughout the exercise, participants maintained enthusiasm, reflecting growing interest in wellness-focused initiatives within the academic environment and surrounding community.

Speaking during the event, Akinbo stressed that as a health-oriented institution, OSPOHAS must take a leading role in promoting preventive healthcare practices. He described regular physical exercise as a core aspect of healthy living and said the initiative aligns with the institution’s broader commitment to instilling wellness habits in both staff and students.

The Registrar, Mrs Modupe Ajala, also highlighted the importance of consistent physical activity, noting its role in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases.

“We all know the importance of consistent physical activity in maintaining good health and reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases,” she said.

She added that as an institution dedicated to training healthcare professionals, OSPOHAS must not only teach wellness principles but also actively demonstrate them.

The Rector of Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Dr Rasaq Akinbo and others leading the 2026 Rector’s Fitness and Wellness Walk to commemorate the World Physical Activity Day. Photo: Taiwo Bankole
“As an institution devoted to producing manpower for the country’s health sector, this is what we teach our students, and we should be at the vanguard of practising what we teach for the benefit of each and every one of us,” she stated.

Ajala further encouraged participants to adopt exercise as a daily habit beyond organised events, describing it as essential for maintaining physical fitness and long-term health.

“I therefore encourage all participants to adopt exercise as a daily routine beyond organised events. It is what we must do regularly to keep our bodies in top shape,” she added.

The programme also featured light workout sessions and health awareness campaigns, aligned with global advocacy for active lifestyles and preventive healthcare.

Participants commended the management of the polytechnic for the initiative and expressed optimism that the fitness walk would become a sustained programme, in line with the health and wellness agenda of the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun.