AGN Anambra State Chapter Hosts Grand Health and Fitness Walk

Health, they say, is wealth, and regular exercise keeps both body and mind sound. This principle forms part of the foundation for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) instituting the Health and Fitness Walk as one of its national health policies and programs. This initiative aims to sensitize members and the general public on the importance of regular exercise for fitness and overall well-being.

The Health and Fitness Walk is designed to take place simultaneously across all state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, where AGN chapters exist. In line with this mandate, the Anambra State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria held its own health and fitness walk in Awka, the state capital, on Saturday, 29th March 2025.

Commencing at 7:00 a.m. and concluding at 10:00 a.m., the event featured a long-distance walk, exercises, health talks and counseling sessions, as well as free medical checkups.

The AGN Anambra State Chapter’s health and fitness campaign drew notable figures, including dignitaries from across the state, past and present National and State executives of the guild, and other esteemed guests. Key attendees included the Executive Chairman of AGN Anambra State Chapter, Mrs. Esther Chinyere Anyaegbunam; AGN National Vice President for the Southeast Zone, Comrade Clement Anigboo; Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike; Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (Anambra Council), Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu; and former State Chairman of the Radio, Television, Theatre, and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Comrade Roy Ekwunife, among others.

Speaking with members of the press, Mrs. Esther Chinyelu Anyaegbunam explained that the Health and Fitness Program was also intended to identify members who are in good health and those who may be living with undiagnosed ailments. She emphasized that the guild is prioritizing health, noting that moviemaking is a physically and mentally demanding profession requiring members to stay fit and healthy in order to continue entertaining society.

Expressing her sorrow over the loss of guild members due to health issues, Mrs. Anyaegbunam declared, “The guild says no to bad health and avoidable death.” She further stated that, as part of the medical checkup process, members found to have health concerns would receive treatment to address their conditions.

Prince Ezeikechukwu Okafor, a guild actor, shared his thoughts during the event. He emphasized that the program’s aim is to keep members alive and healthy. “Our job is very tedious and strength-sapping. You need to be physically fit to meet the demands of this profession,” he said.

Prince Okafor also commended the chairman’s leadership and innovative ideas, describing her as “upright and trustworthy.” He highlighted that Mrs. Anyaegbunam’s approval by the government was rooted in her track record of integrity and dedication to the people’s welfare, adding that with her leadership, Anambra is poised to see a rise in movie production.

During a visit to Solution Fun City, Anambra State Commissioner for Health Dr. Afam Obidike delivered an address emphasizing the importance of exercise as a preventative measure. He explained that exercise offers numerous benefits, one of which is its ability to boost happiness through hormone regulation.

Mrs. Esther Anyaegbunam expressed gratitude to the guild members for showing up en masse to participate in the fitness walk. She encouraged regular exercise and routine health checks as essential practices for staying healthy and alive.

The Health and Fitness Walk has now become an integral part of the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s annual programs, designed to keep its members and the general public informed about the benefits of regular exercise and health checkups.