RSU VC Flags Off Inaugural Khana Walk for Life
The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has flagged off the inaugural edition of the Khana Walk for Life.
The flagged off followed the adoption of the initiative by the Khana Local Government Council after drawing inspiration from RSU monthly Walk for Life programme, which promotes healthy living, physical fitness and community well-being.
The event held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State and formed part of activities marking the first anniversary of the administration of the Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr Thomas Bariere.
In recognition of the university’s support for the initiative, Dr Bariere conferred on the Vice-Chancellor the title of Khana Walk for Life Ambassador.
Speaking at the event, Dr Bariere explained that the idea of the monthly walk was inspired by his interactions with the Rivers State University community. He noted that the council adopted the initiative after recognising its health benefits and potential to promote a healthier population.
He announced that the Khana Walk for Life would become a monthly exercise and assured the Vice-Chancellor and his team will continue to partner with the University in subsequent editions. He also expressed appreciation to the university for its collaboration and support in bringing the initiative to the people of Khana.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of RSU, Professor Issac Zeb-Obipi described the event as a demonstration of the university’s commitment to community engagement, institutional collaboration and the promotion of public well-being. He explained that RSU’s participation aligned with its mandate to make meaningful contributions to society and establish productive partnerships with government institutions and other stakeholders.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the initiative demonstrated the potential of effective collaboration between academia and government, adding that such partnerships could advance shared development goals.
He also highlighted the relevance of the exercise to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
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Professor Zeb-Obipi recalled that the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area had previously participated in a Walk for Life exercise at Rivers State University. He described the university’s participation in the inaugural Khana edition as a reciprocal gesture that further strengthened the relationship between the two institutions.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting the monthly initiative, subject to the availability of time and other resources. He also called on other local government councils and organisations to partner with RSU in promoting healthy living, physical fitness and community development.
As part of the event, Professor Zeb-Obipi announced a cash award of ₦50,000 to the Supervisor for Youth in recognition of his energetic participation in the exercise. He also presented ₦100,000 in support of the Chairman of the Committee for Special Citizens. The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the council to recognise the latter as a representative of persons with special needs and to promote greater inclusion in community activities.
The inaugural Khana Walk for Life attracted members of the local government council, the management and staff of Rivers State University, security personnel, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other participants, all of whom joined in promoting physical fitness and healthy living.
Earlier, the Acting Director of Health Services Department at Rivers State University, Dr Nkemjika Amadi, delivered a health talk titled “Walking: The Most Underrated Form of Physical Activity.” In his presentation, he highlighted the dangers of prolonged sedentary behaviour and emphasised the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining good health.
Dr Amadi explained that spending long hours sitting at desks, watching television or using computers could increase the risk of obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and poor mental well-being.
He outlined the numerous benefits of regular walking, including improved heart health, blood pressure control, weight management, stronger bones and muscles, better mental health, improved sleep and healthy ageing.
To encourage participants to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines, Dr Amadi recommended simple habits such as taking short walking breaks during work, walking after meals, using the stairs when appropriate and participating in organised recreational walks.
He stressed that maintaining consistent movement throughout the day was essential to reducing sedentary behaviour and promoting overall health and well-being.
The inaugural Khana Walk for Life marked a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between Rivers State University and Khana Local Government Council, while reinforcing the importance of physical activity, preventive healthcare and inclusive community engagement.
