A bold community health movement gathered fresh momentum in Lagos on March 28, 2026, as Waka Community International Foundation, in collaboration with Q-Life Family Clinic and Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), staged another edition of its now signature wellness walk.
The initiative, first unveiled on March 18, 2022, has steadily evolved into a people-driven intervention aimed at reshaping health consciousness among Nigerians and global participants.
Saturday’s outing marked the sixth road walk under the campaign themed Let’s Waka with Q-Life and HEI, reinforcing a promise made at inception to promote preventive healthcare through simple, sustainable habits.
Significantly, the event doubled as the fourth memorial edition held in honour of the late Dr. Ade Alakija, a respected medical practitioner and former Medical Director of Q-Life Family Clinic.
Organisers recalled that Dr. Alakija, who also served as Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency and held key national and international roles, was instrumental in driving the early vision of the movement.
His legacy, they noted, continues to inspire the foundation’s commitment to wellness advocacy, with the annual walk serving as both tribute and call to action.
Participants converged at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, for the 10-kilometre non-competitive walk which commenced at 7:00 a.m. and returned to the starting point.
The exercise, complemented by free medical screenings, underscored a central message that a healthy population remains the bedrock of a prosperous nation.
Medical teams conducted cardiovascular risk checks and general health assessments, while health educators engaged participants on nutrition, hydration, sleep and mental wellbeing.
Organisers emphasised five core pillars of preventive health: regular walking, balanced nutrition in controlled portions, adequate hydration, quality sleep, and strength training for healthy ageing.
They stressed that walking, as a low-impact and accessible exercise, remains one of the safest ways to improve cardiovascular fitness, manage weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
With a membership base exceeding 58,000 across more than 48 countries, the foundation said it continues to encourage daily walking routines of at least 30 minutes among its global community.
Beyond Lagos, the event resonated worldwide as supporters participated in “solidarity wakas,” sharing their activities online using the hashtag #WakaMakesSense.
The movement’s growing global visibility was further highlighted by its landmark 2025 Times Square billboard feature, positioning it as a Nigerian-led initiative with international relevance.
Supported by corporate partners, public agencies and volunteers, the Wakathon 2026 concluded with renewed calls for sustained collaboration in advancing preventive healthcare and transforming lives, one step at a time.