SAPELE, Delta State — Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has urged the Sapele Local Government Council to sustain its annual marathon and endurance walk, describing regular physical exercise as essential to healthy living and community development.
Dafinone made the call while participating in the second edition of the Sapele Marathon and Endurance Walk, organised under the themes, “A Walk for Sheriff” and “A Walk for Bright Abeke.”
The senator led participants during the endurance walk, which began at the Sapele Stadium, and commended the council leadership for sustaining the initiative.
He expressed hope that the event would grow beyond an annual gathering and inspire residents to make physical exercise part of their daily and weekly routines.
“I want to congratulate the council chairman for this second edition of Walk for Life. It is symbolic for good health,” Dafinone said.
He added that the continuation of the programme would encourage more people to embrace regular exercise and appreciate the connection between good health, productivity and prosperity.
“This second edition, I pray it should continue on an annual basis, and more people will be encouraged to embrace the life of exercise,” he said.
The event attracted more than 70 runners from different parts of the country, while residents, political leaders and other dignitaries participated in the endurance walk.
The marathon commenced from Eko-Amukpe, while the Walk for Life began at the Sapele Stadium. Both activities ended at the Sapele Local Government Secretariat after participants passed through major parts of the town.
The exercise was organised under the leadership of the Sapele Local Government Chairman, Hon. Bright Abeke, who also participated in the walk.
The Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly, Barrister Kingsley Esiso, also commended residents for turning out for the event. He stressed the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s health.
“You see, every normal human being must take care of its health,” Esiso said, while acknowledging the council chairman’s efforts in promoting physical fitness through the initiative.
Esiso, however, noted that the gathering also provided an opportunity for political engagement, saying participants used the occasion to sensitise residents on supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We are politicians. What we did today is to sensitise people on the need to vote the party, and the need to support APC,” he said.
Another participant, Chief Benson Okorodudu, described the exercise as an avenue for bringing people from different backgrounds together, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
He said the event offered benefits beyond financial incentives, as participants also had the opportunity to engage in physical activity and improve their wellbeing.
“What they have done now is more than giving people money,” Okorodudu said.
He further commended the peaceful conduct of the event, describing it as an indication that Sapele could successfully host large public gatherings.
According to him, the peaceful atmosphere demonstrated that the town remained conducive to social activities, business and investment.
“There was no sign of crisis. It was to show that there is peace in Sapele and investors can come to Sapele,” he said.
The event combined physical fitness, community participation and political engagement, with organisers and participants expressing hope that the Sapele Marathon and Endurance Walk would continue in subsequent years.
