By Akeem Olatidoye
The First Lady of the Kwara State and Chairperson Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has restated the commitment of the present administration in the State to keep supporting the mental, physical, and social well-being of women across the State.
Ambassador AbdulRazaq emphasized the importance of regular physical activity for women, noting that exercise is a vital tool in improving overall health and well-being.
She made these remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the maiden edition of Women Walk Fit 2025 (WWF), organized by the Women’s Wing of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.
Represented by the Kwara State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, the First Lady noted that women are often vulnerable to stress and health challenges, which can be managed effectively through regular exercise.
She mentioned that many women neglect physical activity due to their demanding schedules, but encouraged them to engage in exercise at least once a month to maintain good health and mental balance.
Ambassador AbdulRazaq also stressed that exercise contributes to better performance in teaching and learning environments, and urged women in other tertiary institutions across the State to emulate the initiative of Al-Hikmah University by creating similar wellness programs.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Professor Noah Yusuf commended the women of the institution for initiating the program. He stated that Women Walk Fit 2025 would positively impact both the academic and physical well-being of staff and students.
He also expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her continued support and promised that the university management would sustain activities that promote healthy living.
Professor Yusuf described the Women Walk Fit initiative as a “laudable and timely idea” and encouraged wider participation across the university community.
He pledged the university’s full support to ensure the program becomes a permanent feature of the school calendar.
Also speaking at the event, the former Registrar and current Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Rasheedat Modupe Oladimeji noted that regular exercise plays a significant role in mental, physical, and social development.
She explained that women are more prone to illness partly because many do not engage in regular physical activity.
In her keynote lecture, the guest lead instructor, Professor Leah Dominic of the University of Ilorin’s Department of Exercise and Sports Science, underlined the importance of physical activity for women’s emotional and social health.
She explained that exercise not only reduces stress and aggression but also creates a platform for women to network, share experiences, and build social connections.
Professor Dominic, a sports coach and technical commissioner, encouraged women to view some aspects of domestic chores as forms of exercise, urging them not to leave all physical activity to housemaids.
According to her, everyday movement can contribute significantly to a woman’s well-being.
