Plateau State joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 2026 International Olympic Day with a fitness walk, aerobic exercises, and advocacy for healthy living, as athletes, coaches, sports administrators, students, and fitness enthusiasts converged in Jos on Saturday.
The event celebrated the ideals of the Olympic Movement by encouraging physical activity, unity, inclusion, and excellence while inspiring people of all ages to adopt healthier lifestyles through sports.
Welcoming participants, the Director of Sports in Plateau State, Professor Ezra Gunen, thanked athletes and guests for their participation and reiterated the government’s commitment to developing sports across the state. He urged athletes to remain focused on training and continue striving for excellence, noting that Plateau has maintained its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading producers of sporting talent.
Speaking with journalists, Professor Gunen explained that Olympic Day commemorates the founding of the modern Olympic Games and serves as an annual reminder of the unifying power of sports.
He highlighted Plateau State’s recent achievements in athletics, revealing that athletes from the state have continued to excel nationally and internationally. According to him, national records in the 5,000 metres have been broken twice this year by Plateau athletes, who are also proudly representing Nigeria at international competitions.
He expressed confidence that the state would continue producing athletes capable of setting new national records in events including the 1,500 metres, 3,000 metres steeplechase, and 5,000 metres.
Professor Gunen encouraged young athletes to stay disciplined and committed to their careers.
“Train consistently and stay focused. Your first objective should be to earn a place in the Plateau State team before progressing to represent Nigeria on the international stage,” he advised.
He also applauded the remarkable achievements of para-athletes from Plateau State, noting that many have emerged as national and African record holders while representing the country in international competitions.
Representing the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the President of the International Olympic Committee, Coach Laurinda Yohanna Sati of the National Institute for Sports, Lagos, described Olympic Day as a celebration of movement, togetherness, and community.
She emphasized that sports contribute not only to physical fitness but also to mental well-being, confidence, and stronger relationships, encouraging everyone to participate regardless of age, gender, or physical ability.
“Sport belongs to everyone. Regardless of your background or ability, Olympic Day reminds us to keep moving together not just today, but every day,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Plateau State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Kenneth Buenyen, represented the Executive Governor of Plateau State and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development at the event.
He commended participants for contributing to the success of the Olympic Day Run and expressed gratitude for the peaceful atmosphere throughout the celebration.
Buenyen later told journalists that Olympic Day has continued to inspire athletes in Plateau State to improve their performances. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting athletes through sponsorship to competitions across Nigeria and encouraged them to remain disciplined, avoid drug abuse, and dedicate themselves to training.
“Sports offer enormous opportunities for success. Every athlete should remain disciplined, work harder, and continue giving their very best,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Deputy Registrar of the National Institute for Sports and North Central Zonal Coordinator, Tistet Kamlong Gabriel, described Olympic Day as a valuable platform for promoting healthy lifestyles through regular physical activity.
He explained that consistent exercise plays a vital role in preventing health-related challenges and improving overall well-being.
Kamlong disclosed that since assuming office in April, the institute has introduced twice-weekly aerobic exercise sessions for staff of the Plateau State Sports Council, an initiative that has already yielded positive health outcomes.
He further highlighted the academic and professional programmes currently available at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos, including National Diploma courses in Sports Coaching, Sports Management, Physiotherapy, and Security Management, alongside professional certification programmes in coaching, fitness, conditioning, and stadium management.
According to him, preparations are ongoing to introduce some of these programmes in Jos, with October proposed as the commencement date, subject to the availability of appropriate facilities.
The celebration concluded with aerobic exercise sessions and networking among athletes, coaches, officials, and members of the public, reinforcing the message that sports remain a powerful tool for promoting good health, inclusion, friendship, and community development.
As participants departed, the central message of Olympic Day remained evident: through regular physical activity, discipline, and unity, individuals and communities can build healthier lives while strengthening the future of sports.
