Sports
Staff Wellness, Teamwork and Productivity Get a Lift from Regular Exercise — NAN Managing Director
By Joel Ajayi
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali M. Ali, has reiterated the Agency’s commitment to promoting a strong fitness culture, stating that regular exercise has remarkably boosted staff health, strengthened teamwork, and enhanced overall productivity.
Speaking during the Agency’s quarterly fitness walk on Saturday in Abuja, Ali described the initiative as a vital part of NAN’s workplace tradition, delivering profound physical and mental health benefits.
He noted that the fitness sessions, introduced three editions ago, have improved team bonding, raised staff morale, and created a more relaxed work atmosphere where hierarchy temporarily fades.
“A team that exercises together is a team that achieves together. During our fitness walks, there are no titles — everyone is simply a staff member. That camaraderie closes communication gaps and helps the organisation function more efficiently,” he said.
Beyond fostering unity, the programme has also produced measurable gains in staff wellbeing.
According to him, reports from the Agency’s clinic show a significant drop in cases of malaria, high blood pressure, and other common ailments — an improvement he attributes to stronger immunity and consistent physical activity.
“We run a functional clinic, and the reports show fewer cases of hypertension and general illness. Staff hardly visit for everyday complaints because regular exercise has strengthened their immune systems,” he said.
Ali revealed that NAN also operates a fully equipped gym where staff train every Wednesday and Friday, adding that management deliberately reduces work hours on exercise days to encourage participation.
Given the demanding nature of journalism, he stressed that physical fitness is even more essential. “Ours is a high-pressure profession. News gathering is stressful, and exercise helps us unload some of that pressure,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to be intentional about staying active, warning that sedentary lifestyles — made worse by urban living and carbohydrate-heavy diets — fast-track health decline.
“The body is designed for movement. Even simple walking can improve cardiovascular health, circulation, mood, and general wellbeing,” he advised.
Ali encouraged Nigerians to walk more, use staircases, minimise short-distance motorcycle and car rides, and adopt healthier habits such as intermittent fasting.
He commended the staff for their improved performance, noting that the 5.5km walk was completed in record time compared to previous editions — a clear sign of rising endurance and dedication.
Also speaking, NAN fitness instructor Sunny Alamu emphasised that regular exercise is essential for media professionals who spend long hours seated.
“Because of the nature of their work, staff sit for extended periods. Exercise boosts metabolism, improves circulation, and enhances general health. A healthy worker is a more productive worker,” he said
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
