Power Oil ‘WalkHearton 3.0’ Storms Enugu, Port Harcourt
After a successful outing in Lagos State, the annual Power Oil fitness initiative tagged ‘Power Oil WalkHeartOn’ has moved on to Rivers and Enugu states as residents turned out enmasse to participate in a 30 minute- walk.
According to the company, the walk initiative was put together to foster healthy lifestyle among Nigerians and promote good health through fitness activities through observing 30 minutes’ walk daily.
The Enugu and Port Harcourt walk which held simultaneously witnessed huge crowd with great enthusiasm.
In Enugu, the walk, led by the state’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Charles Ndukwe, started at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium to Ogui Road and Otigba round about and terminated at the stadium while in Port Harcourt, it started at Liberation Stadium through Elekahia Road towards roundabout around the Air force junction and ended also at the stadium.
Speaking on the initiative in Enugu, Ndukwe praised the company for considering and partnering with the state and encouraged all, especially the youths to imbibe the culture of regular exercise needed for active health.
Brand Manager of the company, Miss. Amisha Chawla added that the feedback from the state was quite impressive despite the initiative having just been brought to the state since it started three years ago. In Port Harcourt, the entire walk venue was painted green as participants flaunted the green T-shirt of the brand which Chawla confirmed its turnout was beyond expectations.
The events were spiced with appearance and performance from popular artistes like Nigga Raw and MC Bonus in Enugu while Sound Sultan and Funnybone engaged the crowd in Port Harcourt.
The health camp was also on ground offering free basic medical checks for participants to ascertain their health status, including blood pressure, BMI and general medical consultation while participants were served with light refreshment prepared on the spot to restore lost energy.
Public Relations Manager of the company, Mrs. Omotayo Abiodun noted that the massive turnout that greeted the outing was encouraging and a proof that Nigerians were conscious of their health and wellness.
Speaking, one of the participants in Port Harcourt, Mrs. Mercy Akpotha said, “I have not had this kind of exercise in a long while and I must confess that it’s fun-filled. Thanks to Power Oil for bringing up this health awareness initiative to remind and encourage us to stay on top of our healthy game.”
The last leg of the programme will hold simultaneously in Abuja and Ibadan today with Sound Sultan/MC Bonus and popular comedians Woli Arole and Sanyeri to entertain the crowd in their respective locations.
After efforts of the past administration in Lagos State to purge Ikeja and Oshodi, popularly known as ‘under bridge’ of hawking and other trading activities, traders are now back and operating at the restricted areas.
Market Place learnt that despite the effort of the law enforcement agents, Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, to prevent street trading in those areas the directive is being observed in breach as new traders daily secure and patent spaces for their wares while some others loiter around vending.
It would be recalled that prior to the reign of Governor Raji Fashola in the state, under bridge Ikeja used to be a household centre for hair stylists patronised by ladies and women from both far and near. It also hosted newspaper vendors, book sellers, food hawkers and herbs and alcohol sellers serving touts and agberos.
Also, Oshodi under bridge, extending to the adjoining railway lines paraded all kinds of trading activities ranging from food stuff to fashion wares.
The last administration was not only commended for restoring sanity in these areas, it was also commended for it beautification initiative.
However, this effort seems to have lasted a short while. A visit to Oshodi under flyover further proved that it has relapsed to its old self. The spot is as productive as Walmart one- stop store where one can shop for all kinds of goods. The railway line is not spared either as market women have fully taken over.
Market Place also learnt that agberos have started extorting traders in the area despite the fact that the so called market was not approved under the law.
The same could be said of Ikeja under flyover which has almost been taken over by hairdressers and cosmetologists including other petty businesses.