The seventh edition of the Calabar Walkathon has called for unity among Nigerians, particularly Cross Riverians, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Themed “Walk for Unity and Sustainable Development,” the 12-kilometre fitness walk, organised by the Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club, attracted residents, fitness enthusiasts, corporate organisations and government officials.
Speaking during the flag off, Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, called for greater unity among citizens to sustain the gains of development in the state.
The SSG said the theme was apt, stressing that sustainable development could only be achieved through collective efforts by government, the private sector and citizens.
He commended the organisers, sponsors, development partners and participating fitness clubs for sustaining the annual event, noting that the initiative had continued to grow in size and impact since its inception.
Owan-Enoh particularly appreciated the partners who had supported the walkathon from its early editions, urging them to sustain their partnership
The Assistant Secretary of the club, Hope Obeten said the annual walkathon, which began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, was designed to bring the Calabar community together while promoting healthy living and advocacy for social causes.
He said the choice of unity as this year's theme was informed by the need to foster peaceful coexistence as the country approaches another election cycle.
According to him, participants from different tribes, ethnic groups and political affiliations should recognise their shared identity and work together for the development of the society.
He said, “No matter the divide, no matter the political parties that we are, nothing will be as strong as unity going into an election year.”
The club official said the organisation had, over the years, embarked on medical outreaches, payment of medical bills for indigent patients and visits to vulnerable families as part of its commitment to improving the wellbeing of residents.
He appealed to Nigerians to maintain peace before, during and after the elections, stressing that political differences should not lead to violence.
Also speaking, Chairman of the planning committee, Samuel Usoro, said the walk was designed to combine fitness with advocacy for sustainable development.
Usoro said the club was using the event to remind Nigerians that religious, ethnic and political differences should not undermine their shared interests.
He urged citizens to demand sustainable development from governments and other stakeholders while also contributing individually to the growth of the economy.
“We are one. We all believe the same. We all feel the same way. Let us come together and ask for sustainable development from whoever is responsible—the public sector, the private sector and ourselves individually,” he said.
Usoro described the turnout as impressive, thanking sponsors, partners, participating fitness clubs and the media for supporting the initiative.
He also encouraged residents to embrace regular physical activity, describing walking as one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise.
According to him, the average Cross Riverian needs to pay greater attention to physical fitness and healthy living, adding that regular walking could contribute significantly to overall wellbeing.
He said the 12-kilometre walk also formed part of activities promoting the state's annual Carnival, as the route followed the carnival route ahead of the December festival.
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