By Abubakar Yunusa
The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Abuja branch, Engr. Ben Osy Okoh, has advised engineers to engage in sporting activities and regular exercise to boost their fitness levels and general well-being.
Engr. Osy stated this during a 2024 one-day health and free healthcare clinic with the theme: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, over the weekend.
The event featured medical health checks that started at 8 a.m., during which the vital medical numbers of members were taken, and those whose status was at the border or above the red line were duly advised on the proper lifestyle to adopt to improve their health status.
Afterward, members embarked on a warm-up exercise and stretches that lasted for another hour, preparing them for the next important stage under the guidance and instruction of a fitness coach in the medical team.
A two-hour brisk walk, dancing, and jogging exercise ensued, spiced up by the traditional Ogene musical band contracted by the committee, providing the needed motivation and vibe throughout the setting, leaving a lasting impression on the minds of members.
Commencing with free medical check-ups for members, the event also included walks around the stadium throughout the program’s duration.
According to him, “Last year, we initiated this program and held it here at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where we brought in medical doctors to conduct free medical check-ups on our members.”
He explained that after the medical check-ups, there was a seven-kilometer walk. The essence of this is to keep our members fit because, as the saying goes, ‘Health is wealth,’ and all work and no play can lead to health issues.
“What we are doing here today is to inculcate the habit of exercise and constant healthcare check-ups for our members, and that’s what we intend to achieve,” he said.
“While we engage in our daily activities, we should also remember the need to pause sometimes and check our health and exercise our bodies.
“Many of us don’t prioritize exercise, so this will give our members the opportunity to remember the importance of enrolling in physical or mental exercises,” he added.
Engr. Osy emphasized that practicing engineering does not limit individuals from participating in other activities. He urged engineers to explore opportunities available in the sporting industry and how they can take advantage of them.
“I know that if we delve into the sporting industry, because as we have always done in our profession, if we can conquer engineering, we can conquer anything else.
“So, engineers should continue to get involved in sports, and I believe it will boost the sporting industry. I believe if engineers enter the sports industry, there will be a new dimension”.
Meanwhile,some engineers saw the urgent need to add to their schedule a new lifestyle of routine physical exercises to improve their health and fitness status.
