Obiano’s 7 Years In Office: The Fitness Economy

MAZI EJIMOFOR OPARA

I have read details of the sterling performance of the Anambra State Governor in the countdown to his 7th anniversary. This has been an exciting series in revelation and substance. One cannot but commend the professionalism of the Governor’s media handlers. They have risen above the noise and created a narrative far above the contemplation of devious opposition.

In spite of the downturns and drawbacks, Anambra is not celebrating excuses. It is not enough. Indeed, it is never enough. Mine is not to harp on any key sectoral reform or improvement as that has been dealt with by members of the Governor’s media. I just want to look at one essential intangible of the Obiano Administration. This may not be as pervasive, but anyone around the State capital — Awka — and beyond would appreciate this revelation as a statement of fact.

From Alex Ekwueme square to Esther Obiakor road and Nwakpadolu road through to Commissioner’s quarters, there is an increasing bulge of fitness enthusiasts. This has become a new social collective of health conscious people maximizing the enabling environment provided by a responsive government to create social and economic prosperity for themselves.

The spinoffs of the fitness economy in the State has evolved implications on people’s livelihood and social capital. A trip to Alex Ekwueme square on a Saturday morning reveals so much on how a people can benefit from responsive leadership. The trade in healthy and organic food items, sports equipments, health tips and general economies of scale presents a nexus amongst a host of other factors if the data is properly collated and analyzed.

We have witnessed such social activities as the “Walk for Life” — an admixture of local entertainment and physical fitness walks — covering distant kilometers with top Government functionaries, top management Civil Servants, seasoned Politicians and Captains of Industry leading the pack. It is a carnivalsque outing anticipated monthly with far reaching implications.

The fitness economy has also become a melting pot that surpasses Partisan interests. Here, hitherto politically tensed issues get seamlessly defused as ndi Anambra have grown into realising the transendency of mutual cohabitation. Politics in the fitness arena becomes “ife umunne”.

It always appears ordinary until it becomes scarce. If the only thing Obiano has done in 7 years is to get Ndi Anambra to appreciate and believe in the homeland, that in itself is the superstructure long missing.

Mazi Ejimofor Opara writes from Awka, Anambra State.