By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has advised media practitioners to engage in regular exercise and sporting activities to maintain physical fitness and enhance mental alertness.

Ali gave this advice in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with members of the NAN Social Calendar Committee.

The committee briefed him about the agency’s inaugural fitness walk and jogging exercise scheduled for Saturday, October 26.

Ali noted the importance of regular medical check-ups for media workers, including monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate.

He said those in the media often work under pressure chasing news and may forget to check their health status.

“Understanding one’s health is essential for peace of mind and identifying areas for improvement.

“To address this, we established this committee to promote quarterly fitness and exercise walks. Every quarter, all agency staff will gather at the corporate headquarters for a two- to three-hour walk, followed by some exercises.

“This initiative will encourage physical health, raise awareness about health status, and promote team bonding, a team that exercises together achieves together and fosters greater understanding”.

Ali added that seeing colleagues and superiors engaged in enjoyable activities like walking can bring additional benefits.

He reiterated the health advantages of regular walking, especially for those of a certain age.

Ali also announced plans for a week-long inter-departmental competition to foster team building and family cohesion among staff.

He tasked the committee with making this proposal a reality, as it would help the agency evaluate its activities and bridge any existing communication gaps.

He also encouraged the head of the NAN Lagos office and the 12 zonal managers to organise the quarterly fitness exercises in their locations, and invited headquarters staff to bring their spouses to the Saturday event.

“This inaugural fitness walk and jogging exercise is expected to enhance team building and bonding.

“We aim to create a cohesive team that works together and supports one another. Before the year ends, we hope to organise a week-long competition.

“Although there are only a couple of months left in the year, we want to unwind and bond as a family,” Ali stated.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Mrs Dorcas Jonah, informed the MD about the upcoming walk and jogging exercise.

Jonah, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief, noted that after the committee’s inauguration two months ago, it proposed bi-weekly sporting activities for staff.

She thanked Ali for approving the initiative and attending the kickoff event, which has revived sporting activities at NAN.

“This initiative is designed to help staff stay fit and unwind. We want to show our partners and the public that the News Agency of Nigeria is not just about news writing; we can engage in other activities as well.

“As the saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. We aim to demonstrate that we are a capable team committed to exercise, maintaining a healthy work environment, and working together effectively.

“Regular exercise will help us think better and stay energetic,” she said.

The occasion ended with the presentation of tracksuits for the exercise by the committee to the managing director and other directors of the agency. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade