By Nkechi Eze
In a show of solidarity and commitment to healthy living, the Defence and Police Officers Wives’ Association on Saturday 1st February, 2025 held her bimonthly health walk with an over 3km walk, at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
This monthly event aims to bring together military spouses, providing a platform for them to share experiences and support one another one another in their journey towards healthier lifestyles.
The event kicked off with participants monitoring their vital signs, followed by an invigorating aerobics session, and then a refreshing health walk.
Mrs. Oghogho G Musa, President of DEPOWA and founder of the DEPOWA Walk for Health, emphasized the importance of physical activity for women’s overall wellbeing. She encouraged women to engage in regular exercise, highlighting its benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health.
“Regular exercises and healthy eating habits are crucial for maintaining our overall health and wellbeing because, a healthy eating habit helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity related diseases.
“Exercising regularly helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It aids in the release of endorphins also known as feel good hormones.
“The importance of exercising and healthy eating habits cannot be overemphasized, hence the need to engage in physical activities and hobbies that brings joy and motivation.
I will like to urge us all to remain dedicated to eating healthy and exercising regularly.
“We should endeavor to drink atleast two to three litres of water a day.
“As we look forward to rotating the venues monthly within the associations and formations,”she said.
To further encourage the women, the president of Depowa Mrs Ogogho Musa gifted every participant a water bottle, to serve as a reminder for water intake.
Public health expert, Mrs. Grace Ajibogwu, advised women to prioritize a balanced lifestyle, including adequate sleep, a nutritious diet, mindfulness through meditation, and regular medical check-ups, to maintain overall well-being.
“As adults, we should sleep seven to eight hours a day. The reason for this is to rest your body and by so doing, prevent all manner of diseases. Sleep deprivation can lead to non-communicable diseases. It could be hypertension, depression and other non-communicable disease.
While speaking on health tips to sleep, she said “If you are going to sleep, avoid taking heavy meals or heavy snacks and avoid alcohol as much as you can. It is always advised that you stop eating two to three hours before you go to bed.
Also, “Put down your phones when you are about to sleep. Stay away from social media once it is bed time, because it disrupts your sleep. Avoid blue lights before you sleep.
Mr’s Grace advised that a developing a sleep routine is important as it helps with maintain a proper sleep routine, even on weekends.
According to the health expert, a healthy diet should comprise a large proportion of green vegetables, supplemented by moderate amounts of fruits. Whole grains, a vital source of complex carbohydrates, should also feature prominently. In addition, she recommended increased protein intake and drinking ample amounts of water throughout the day.
“It is cheaper to eat healthy because a healthy meal is cheaper than medicine.” She added.
According to Hajiya Rakiya Abubakar, President of the Nigerian Air Force Wives Association (NAFOWA), the association is expanding the initiative across various units and commands. She noted that the monthly exercise has yielded noticeable results, making a significant positive impact.
“It adds to our resilience, and a healthy body is capable of handling all the stress that will come our way.” She said.
Mrs Antonia Yachatoreki said; “I lost about 15kg since last year, through the health talks, the lectures that tells us the importance of working out as women and the importance of staying fit.
“I’ve seen a lot of health benefits. So it has really impacted on me and my family, as a whole, because I’ve incorporated some of the things I’ve learned from the program.
“My advise to all women out there is to keep your body fit because you just have one body. If you allow your body to be destroyed, you can’t retrieve it. I advise people to focus on their health, focus on their fitness. You can have goals and aspirations, but without a healthy body, you can’t carry out your dreams and aspirations.” She said.
Mrs Happiness Wesley said her foundation which is all about mental health and creating awareness on the dangers of substance use, will also key into the initiative by promoting the importance of regular exercise, healthy eating, and balanced lifestyle habits.
“The Grace Thomas Foundation will definitely key into this innovative initiative in a bid to distract youth from idleness and the dangers of substance abuse, by channeling their energy into positive and healthy habits.” She said.
Finally, Mrs G. Musa added that the association also has plans to spread the program beyond Abuja.
“we can’t have everybody here, but some of the leaders are here to take this message back to their various formations. Also, because we have been seeing results from this monthly exercise, we’ll be consistent.”
The program had in attendance the president, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association and wife of the Chief of Army Staff, repsented by Mrs Adaobi Onubogu, the president, Nigerian Naval Officers Wives Association and wife of the Chief of Naval Staff, Mrs Blessing Ogalla, represented by Mrs Esther Zacharia, the president, Nigerian Airforce Officers Wives Association and wife of the Chief of the Air Staff, Architect (Dr) Rakiya Abubakar, the president, Police Officers Wives Association and wife of the Inspector General of Police, Dr Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, as well as representatives from the above mentioned Association.
