The serene city of Jos, Plateau State capital was agog for another edition of De Amazone RoadWaka which flagged off at 6.30 am at the National Library, Jos and ends at Plateau State Polytechnic, Ramat Murtala Muhammed Road, Jos at the weekend.
The initiative of the Plateau State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (Plaschema) in partnership with Jennifer Okoye, a Jos-based sports journalist was first hosted as a Road Walk in 2018.
It was in appreciation to the listeners and fans of Jayfm who stood behind the station when it was shut down by NBC that year for some infringement.
Okoye said at the weekend that De Amazone Roadwaka was an event, designed to orient the public on the need and importance of healthy living through physical and mental health exercise.
“The Road Walk was geared towards curbing the high rate of obesity, health complications and unhealthy living in our society, which can lead to various sicknesses and early death.
“It is a road show that consisted of different fitness routines (10km walk, aerobics) which helped enlightened, educate and engaged participants to imbibe the culture of physical and mental fitness.’’.
But the race seems to have grown beyond the vision of the initiator as the 2022 edition will be graced by elite runners and managers.
Steve Nuhu, one of the most successful elite marathon managers and coaches in Nigeria, led a team of elite runners that included Adamu Muazu, Emmanuel Gyan, Deborah Pam and others to the walk.
Reacting to the expected participation of elite runners in the 2022 edition Okoye said her dream is to take the RoadWaka to the next level in 2023 by organizing a bigger race, probably a half marathon or even a full marathon.
“Why not a full marathon? This event started as a 5km Waka now it’s 10km Waka our next level is a marathon. Don’t forget Plateau and its environs are the home of the best marathon runners in Nigeria, a marathon race in Plateau, followed by an elite development programme will impact our youths positively’’.
Okoye showed appreciation to the Plateau State Contributory Health Care Management Agency, Jay 101.9 FM Jos, Magxi-Taste Sharwama, NASCO, Nigeria Police, Civil Defense, FRSC and other corporate organizations and individuals who do not want their name mentioned in the media that contributed to the huge success of the 2022 edition of the race.
