The Member representing Ohafia North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, has described sporting activities as a powerful tonic for the body and a vital pathway to healthy living and longevity.
Rt. Hon. Obasi who disclosed this in Abiriba during the Abiriba Fitness Festival, expressed his readiness to collaborate with the organisers of the Abiriba Fitness Festival to expand and sustain the annual event.
The State Lawmaker who was a Special Guest at the event, commended the initiative and assured the organisers of his availability to partner with them to give the programme greater visibility and make it more appealing to the people, considering its enormous health and social benefits.
He lauded the initiator of the festival, Engr. Jackson Jacob, an Abiriba-born American soldier, for his commitment to giving back to his community through a programme that promotes fitness, wellbeing and healthy living.
According to Rt. Hon. Obasi, many people often get carried away by the festivities associated with the Christmas season and neglect their health and medical routines. He noted that the Abiriba Fitness Festival provides a veritable platform for individuals to remain physically active, get reinvigorated and embrace healthier lifestyles.
In his remarks, Engr. Jackson Jacob reiterated the importance of sporting activities, explaining that the festival is one of his flagship community programmes aimed at promoting healthy living through regular exercise and good dietary practices.
He added that the initiative is designed to help people live longer, reduce dependence on drugs, foster unity and strengthen the spirit of sportsmanship among the people.
As part of activities at the event, cash prizes were awarded to participants who displayed exceptional skill and dexterity in various sporting competitions. Other highlights included a health talk delivered by a medical practitioner, as well as sports drills led by the popular fitness enthusiast, Mr. Gorilla, alongside other notable sportsmen.
In a further demonstration of his commitment to community development, Engr. Jackson Jacob and his team also provided financial assistance to some Abiriba students to support the payment of their school fees.
The Abiriba Fitness Festival attracted several high-profile personalities from different walks of life, including the Enachioken of Abiriba, HRM Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, the Effa of Agboji Abiriba, HRH Eze Benjamin Agu, the Executive Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, Chief Eleanya Ojuu, Dr. Nwokocha, Prince Eke Ogbuewa, Prince Umazi Okogbuo Umazi, Chief Ibe Boco, Chief Obasi ogba..Lekki Prophet, Mr.Akim Nwojo among others.
Dimgba Ejieke
Flashback: 30/12/2025
