Participants at the 2025 Walk for Life, Peace and Unity event organised by HCFI
A senior lecturer at the University of Lagos has called on the Nigerian government to legislate daily walking for citizens, citing its potential to reduce the nation’s healthcare expenditure.
Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, of the Department of Actuarial Science and Insurance, appealed the 2025 Walk for Life, Peace and Unity, an annual health awareness event organised by the Human Concern Foundation International (HCFI).
“Walking is a simple habit that prevents illness and reduces the economic strain on our healthcare system,” he said. “If the government makes walking mandatory, it could drastically cut spending on curative medicine. Prevention is better than cure.” Prof. Yusuf described walking as central to both physical and mental well-being, and noted its spiritual value in Islamic practice.
The walk also aimed to promote national cohesion. Prof. Ibrahim Oreagba, HCFI’s convener, emphasised the need for unity in Nigeria and highlighted the health benefits of walking, including reducing the risk of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Alhaji Taiwo Adesina, Secretary General of the Muslim Congress, urged Nigerians to adopt walking as a daily practice, noting its positive impact on mental wellness and overall fitness.
Kazeem Akindunbi, Executive Secretary of the Muslim Public Affairs Centre, described the walk as a timely initiative to boost participants’ health, energy, and social connections.
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