The usually calm Northern Foreshore Estate in Lekki, Lagos, was filled with energy and excitement as residents, guests, and fitness lovers gathered for the first-ever Wakathon 2025 — a 10-kilometre community walk designed to promote wellness, friendship, and an active lifestyle.
Organised by the popular fitness group known as the Waka Brothers, the event attracted more than 200 participants from both within and outside the estate. It has already been hailed as a shining example of how local initiatives can inspire nationwide interest in health and fitness.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the event, Mr. Emmanuel Olaegbe, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Managing Director of Global Quali Support Services Limited, explained that Wakathon 2025 grew naturally out of the Waka Brothers’ long-standing passion for walking.
“For nearly 15 years, our group has made walking part of our daily routine — from Monday through Saturday — and we’ve seen how much it has improved our lives,” Olaegbe said. “This marathon is simply our way of sharing that lifestyle with others.”
Co-organiser Dr. Jerry Igwilo, who also serves as Co-Founder and CEO of Wynk Limited, revealed that the idea for Wakathon began as a casual conversation during one of their early morning walks. “It started off as a joke,” he said with a smile. “But I ended up writing an 18-page proposal, and the dream quickly became real. We wanted something big, something meaningful.”
With an estimated budget of ₦15 million, the team sought out corporate sponsors rather than relying on individual donations — a choice Igwilo said reflected the spirit of partnership and collective vision behind the event.
One of the sponsors, Mr. Patrick Iloh, Managing Director of Petrocam Trading Nigeria Limited, praised the planning and execution of the event, describing it as a model for community-driven wellness initiatives.
“This wasn’t just about walking — it was about connection,” Iloh said. “People met their neighbours, made friends, and strengthened community bonds. The organisation was top-notch and deeply intentional. Honestly, this should happen every year. After all, walking keeps the body young — age truly starts from the legs.”
The event concluded with prizes for the top three finishers, who received ₦250,000, ₦150,000, and ₦100,000 respectively.
Looking forward, the organisers plan to make Wakathon an annual affair, with future editions featuring AI-powered tracking, drone footage, and wider registration opportunities to welcome even more participants.
