By Jacob Ajom
The Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation of Nigeria has called on President Mohammadu Buhari to select a day in the month of May every year and declare it a national fitness day.

In an open letter to President Buhari, signed by the President of the federation, Soye Elekima the federation observed that although there was remarkable advancement in modern medicine, it was sad to note that there was a corresponding increase in deaths resulting from preventable, non-communicable diseases.

“The health situation in Nigeria is frightening as there is a sharp rise in preventable deaths caused by diseases such as heart diseases, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases,” the letter reads, pointing that unless there was a deliberate policy-driven plan to change people’s habits towards healthy living, the scourge will continue.

“While some people have come to appreciate the fact that physical fitness training actually goes a long way in solving such problems and accord people more fulfilling life. Fitness training helps to improve and protect the heart, bones, skeletal frame, immune system and balance blood and sugar levels.”

The federation therefore urged President Buhari to “Proclaim/adopt a National Fitness Day in the month of May every year which observance is already customary in countries such as the United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, among others.”