A medical practitioner, Dr Festus Ogunbiyi, has urged civil servants in Ondo State to make regular exercise, particularly walking, part of their daily routines to improve their health and prevent lifestyle-related diseases.
Ogunbiyi gave the advice during activities marking the 2026 Public Service Week in Akure, where he highlighted the health benefits of physical activity, including improved metabolism, weight management and reduced risks of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.
He described the public service health walk as an opportunity for workers who had been physically inactive to adopt healthier habits, stressing that regular exercise did not necessarily require a gym membership.
The doctor encouraged civil servants to walk reasonable distances around their homes and workplaces, adding that simple physical activities could contribute significantly to their overall well-being.
He, however, expressed concern that some Nigerians were discouraged from exercising in public because of the comments and reactions of others.
Recalling his experience, Ogunbiyi said he was once questioned by people who wondered why he chose to walk from the Government House area in Akure instead of using a vehicle.
He urged Nigerians to ignore such discouragement and prioritise their health, noting that he routinely advised patients managing hypertension and diabetes to incorporate exercise into their treatment plans.
Earlier, the Ondo State Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and working conditions.
Odusanya, who addressed civil servants at the State Sports Complex in Akure after the health walk, urged workers to participate actively in the scheduled activities for the 2026 Public Service Week.
He described the celebration as an opportunity to promote unity, solidarity and commitment to the public service, while encouraging workers to participate enthusiastically in the programme, particularly the scheduled parade.
The Head of Service expressed optimism that civil servants would continue to benefit from initiatives aimed at enhancing their welfare, urging them to remain united, dedicated and committed to their responsibilities.
The health walk, which commenced from Adegbemile and ended at the State Sports Complex in Akure, attracted permanent secretaries, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, as well as other civil servants.
The exercise was part of activities organised to mark the 2026 Public Service Week in Ondo State.
