UNIUYO HOLDS OCTOBER PRODUCTIVITY HEALTH WALK TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING (part 2)
By Nsisong Samuel
Thomas Thomas
The University of Uyo has held its October edition of the Productivity Health Walk, bringing together staff and members of the University community at the Mini Stadium, Town Campus, Uyo, to promote physical fitness, mental wellness and a healthy workforce.
The exercise, held under the theme, “Physical and Mental Restoration Through Exercise,” was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Ekong, and featured a road walk, fitness activities and friendly competitions among unions in the institution.
The programme commenced with a road walk that took participants through parts of Uyo metropolis via Ikot Ekpene Road before returning to the Mini Stadium for various fitness routines. The activities were coordinated by the Director of Sports, Dr. Henry Morrison, who led participants through stretching exercises, deep breathing, toe touching, bending, single-leg balancing, jumping and other physical activities designed to improve flexibility, strength and general fitness.
A major highlight of the event was an egg race involving different unions in the University. In the women’s category, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NAAT) emerged first, followed by the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), while the Students’ Union came third. In the men’s category, the Professional Graduate Staff Union (PROGRASU) clinched first position, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) finishing second.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Ekong, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Enobong Ikpeme, urged members of the University community to embrace regular physical exercise and routine medical check-ups as essential components of a healthy lifestyle. He noted that while regular exercise helps maintain good health and reduce stress, medical screening is equally important because some health conditions may remain undetected without proper examination. He stressed that prioritising personal health would help prevent avoidable deaths and promote a healthier, more productive University workforce.
Also speaking, the Staff Adviser, Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Dr. Grace Atagha, highlighted the numerous benefits of regular exercise, including the repair and healing of body tissues, improved physical appearance, increased vitality, better sleep and enhanced academic performance. She encouraged members of the University community to engage in physical activities suited to their ages, health conditions and individual physical abilities.
The October Productivity Health Walk attracted several dignitaries and members of the University community, including the Secretary to the Senate, Mrs. Blossom Okorie, and Professor Aniekan Brown, a Professor of Criminology, alongside staff and representatives of various unions.
The exercise forms part of the University’s commitment to promoting staff welfare, strengthening workplace relationships and encouraging healthy habits that contribute to improved productivity, effective service delivery and overall well-being across the institution.