Stepping Towards a Healthier Tomorrow: The Waka Revolution
By Ifeoma Ikem
The sun rose over the bustling streets of Lagos, casting a warm glow over the sea of walkers gathered at the Catholic Church on Admiralty Road, Lekki Phase I. The air was alive with the sound of chatter and the rustling of feet as participants prepared to embark on a 9.4km journey of wellness.
It was the last Saturday in the month of March.
At the forefront of this movement was Lorenz Mba, founder of the Waka Community International Foundation, who stood tall, his eyes shining with passion. “Today has finally come. Let’s waka not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones, our communities, and our nation,” he declared, his voice ringing out across the crowd. Apparently, the road walk was also a tribute to the late Dr Adetokunbo Alakija – a staunch advocate of health and wellness. Dr Alakija was a pioneer member of Waka and Managing Director of Q-Life Family Clinic.
The walk, hosted by Waka in collaboration with Q-Life Family Clinic and Health Emergency Initiative, traversed Lekki and Ikoyi axis of the state.
As the walkers set off, the city came alive with the sound of footsteps, a symphony of movement that echoed through the streets. The Waka Revolution had begun, a movement that sought to transform the lives of Nigerians, one step at a time.
Pascal Achunine, Medical Director of HEI, walked alongside the crowd, his heart swelling with pride. “Dr. Alakija, the man we honour today, was a champion of healthy living,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “His legacy lives on through this walk, and we’re committed to carrying the torch forward.”
Dr. Olayinka Olowolu, Medical Director of Q-Life, nodded in agreement. “Dr. Alakija was a true visionary, who understood the importance of preventive healthcare. We’re proud to continue his work, inspiring Nigerians to take control of their health.”
As the walkers made their way through the city, they were joined by others, each with their own story, their own struggles, and their own triumphs. Together, they formed a tapestry of resilience, a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to persevere.
Amidst this crowd were numerous youth who leapt, jumped, dancing even to the popular tunes belted out by the DeeJay in the leading vehicle, as they took copious pictures of their journey. Many elderly people in their ’60s and ’70s, in determination not to be left behind, forged ahead with unflinching, but set faces.
The Waka Revolution was more than just a walk; it was a movement, a call to action, a reminder that the power to create change lies within each of us. With over 55,000 members in 47 countries joining the locals in solidarity walk, the Waka Foundation led the charge towards a healthier, happier tomorrow.
As the walkers reached the finish line, exhausted but exhilarated, they knew that they had taken the first step towards a brighter future. And as they looked up at the sky, they knew that Dr. Alakija was smiling down on them, proud of the legacy he had inspired, and the revolution that would continue to transform lives, one step at a time.
The Waka Revolution was not just about walking; it was about creating a culture of wellness, a culture that encouraged individuals to take control of their health. With the Waka International App, which rewards users for walking, the movement was making it easier for people to make healthy choices.
As the dust settled on the 9.4km walk, one thing was clear: the Waka Revolution was here to stay. With its message of hope, resilience, and determination, it was inspiring a nation to take control of its health, one step at a time.
