Cross River state government has commended on Healthy Billionaire Fitness Club, for addressing critical societal issues like depression which has been the major cause of suicide all over the world.
Healthy Billionaire Fitness Club, on Saturday, September 21, under its brainchild – Calabar Walkathon, marched through the 12-kilometer Calabar Carnival route, in collaboration with medical professionals, media practitioners and other fitness clubs, drew over 2,000 fitness enthusiasts to the streets of Calabar, Cross River State capital, to raise awareness about depression and suicide as well as promote healthy lifestyle.
Declaring the event opened at the popular Calabar Cenotaph, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, who represented Governor Bassey Otu, lauded the fitness organization for dealing with very serious matters in the society, such as drug abuse, rape, health education, among others, noting that the awareness would be created at this year’s edition, themed “A Walk Against Suicide & Depression,” will go a long way to curbing suicide-related deaths in the state and nation at large.
The Speaker, who maintained that the need for mental health awareness cannot be overemphasized, posited: “this walk at the symbolizing their collective journey toward a brighter future and improved wellness.”
Alarmed by the high numbers of students and young people suffering depression, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, called on organizations to borrow a leaf from Healthy Billionaires and start investing in meaningful engagements with the population (youths) worst hit by mental health. “The society must find a way to engage the young ones,” he chorused.
He pointed out that the fitness organization, through its Calabar Walkathon, was supporting the state government to address a societal concern (depression) that has been given negligible attention. He added that the exercise would awaken the people’s consciousness to the realization that depression is a surmountable challenge; and must not lead to suicide.
Speaking on this year’s edition, the Chairman of Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club, Mr. Williams Archibong said the increasing number of depression issues is not good for society, hence the campaign for awareness creation.
“This is why, through our outfit, we came together with health professionals, fitness clubs, etc, to say no to depression and suicide. By this, we are supporting government to correct this problems,” he added.
Mr. Archibong, who is also the Director General of the State Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA), enjoined residents of Cross River to engage in regular exercises and proper dieting as healthy lifestyle, which can also help against depression.
The Chairman of Calabar Walkathon 5.0 Organizing Committee, Mr. Eric Anderson, expressed the organization’s strong belief in the principle that “health is wealth” and its dedication to fostering healthy lifestyles.
“In 2020, we walked against COVID; in 2021, we commemorated World Heart Day; in 2022, we walked for peace and security; and in 2023, we walked against drugs and mental health. This year’s focus on suicide and depression stems from the ongoing impact these issues have on society,” he added.
He informed that at end of the event, the club intents to engage communities further through seminars aimed at tackling these problems.
