Fit Africa Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and with support from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Lagos State Ministry of Health, and several key stakeholders, is organising a monumental cumulative 200km Walk Against Drug Abuse to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote physical fitness as a solution to combat the growing epidemic. The event is scheduled for Saturday, 5th October 2024, coinciding with National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, with simultaneous walks held across Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the organisers, the Walk aims to sensitize the public about the pressing issue of substance abuse, which has devastated countless communities in Nigeria. With an alarming rise in drug-related cases affecting youths and adults alike, Fit Africa Nigeria has partnered with several prominent organisations to inspire a nationwide movement promoting healthier lifestyles and the importance of resilience in the face of drug addiction.
Key stakeholders participating in the initiative include Goy Foundation, Entre en Forme Academy, Mainstream Fitness Sports Centre, Safari Fitness, The Oleaster, PNL, Rayshift, Sweat, Cumbow Fitness, Honourable Member representing Bangudu/Maru Federal Constituency, and media support from Silverbird Television, among others. These organisations will play crucial roles in mobilising participants and supporting the campaign’s goals of advocating for fitness, wellness, and community support as preventive measures against substance abuse.
The walk will be held in Abuja, the nation’s capital, but similar events will take place concurrently in major cities across the country, including Lagos, Cross River, Kaduna, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states. The collective aim is to reach as many communities as possible, ensuring a nationwide impact that underscores the importance of preventing drug abuse through awareness and active engagement.
In preparation for the event, a press conference will be held on 25th September 2024 at the Federal Ministry of Education Conference Hall, located at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja. The press briefing will begin at 11:00 AM, where key stakeholders, including representatives from the collaborating ministries, NGOs, and fitness organisations, will address the media on the objectives, scope, and expected outcomes of the walk.
Speakers at the press conference will emphasise the urgent need for public engagement in the fight against drug abuse, highlighting the role that physical fitness and healthy living play in fortifying individuals against the destructive impacts of addiction. Additionally, the press conference will provide details on how citizens, fitness enthusiasts, and advocacy groups can participate in the event.
Drug abuse has become an endemic issue in Nigeria, with the NDLEA reporting that the number of drug-related offences and addiction cases continues to surge across various demographics. Youths, in particular, are most vulnerable to drug misuse, which poses a significant threat to national development and public health.
Through the 200km Walk Against Drug Abuse, Fit Africa Nigeria and its partners aim to provide a platform for individuals and organisations to unite in combating this growing crisis. By promoting physical fitness and healthy living, the event hopes to build awareness and offer long-term solutions for people to develop resilience against drug use. The walk serves as a reminder that substance abuse is not only a personal issue but also a community concern that requires collective action to address effectively.
Physical activity and wellness have been proven to play essential roles in mental health improvement and addiction recovery. By incorporating fitness into the campaign, Fit Africa Nigeria reinforces the message that exercise can act as a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of addiction while also fostering a culture of prevention.
The event promises to be more than just a physical walk; it will include wellness workshops, fitness challenges, educational talks, and free health screenings to encourage participants to adopt healthier lifestyles. Communities are expected to turn out in large numbers, led by fitness experts, public health professionals, and influential local leaders. Each state will tailor the walk to reflect the unique challenges faced by their communities, making the event a truly inclusive effort to combat the scourge of drug abuse.
In addition to creating awareness, the walk is expected to lead to new partnerships between the government, civil society, and the private sector in tackling the menace of drug addiction. With ongoing collaboration, Fit Africa Nigeria hopes to create long-term, sustainable interventions that address the root causes of substance abuse and promote community well-being.
The cumulative 200km Walk Against Drug Abuse is not just an event but a powerful call to action. It brings together different sectors of society to fight the rising tide of drug abuse in Nigeria. By raising awareness, promoting physical fitness, and encouraging healthy lifestyles, this initiative could mark the beginning of a broader movement toward a drug-free Nigeria. Join Fit Africa Nigeria and its partners on 5th October 2024 and take a stand against drug abuse for the health and future of our communities.
