Yaba Fitness Fair 2024: A celebration of wellness and community at Fitness+
By Omolola Dede Adeyanju
This year’s Yaba Fitness Fair, organized by Fitness+ brought energy, wellness, and community spirit to Rowe Park, Yaba. Hosted in Lagos’ vibrant heart, the second edition of this annual event was a major success, drawing fitness enthusiasts, wellness advocates, families, and professionals to celebrate health and fitness in an engaging, all-inclusive atmosphere.
Led by Fitness+ CEO Lara Olowookere, the Yaba Fitness Fair has become a beacon for promoting physical and mental wellness in Lagos. During the event which took place on the 26th of October, Olowookere advocated for a broader commitment to public wellness, urging the federal government to invest more in fitness facilities. “Good health is the real wealth, and fitness is the foundation for a healthy society.
“The government’s commitment shouldn’t just stop at healthcare facilities; it should include fitness centers that empower people to lead healthier lives and prevent illness before it starts.”
However, the Yaba Fitness Fair offered a dynamic day packed with diverse activities catering to all ages and fitness levels. Attendees were greeted with high-energy workout sessions, health talks by wellness experts, interactive games, and friendly competitions that kept spirits high throughout the day. Families, friends, and individuals came together to enjoy everything from fitness challenges to networking sessions and even some friendly games, transforming the fair into a true community celebration of wellness.
From engaging physical coaching sessions to wellness workshops and Q&A with health professionals. The fair embodied Fitness+’s mission to make fitness a fun, accessible lifestyle choice. Attendees enjoyed demonstrations, hands-on activities, and competitions like the male push-up contest, where long-time Fitness+ member Chima Dimaku took home the top prize.
Dimaku, who had been training with Fitness+ for over four years, highlighted the fair’s impact, noting, “This event is a reminder that we all need to stay active. The energy here today is amazing, and I look forward to seeing it grow even more.”
CEO Lara Olowookere used the platform to call for stronger support from the government in developing wellness infrastructure. “Fitness is essential in the prevention of non-communicable diseases and helps individuals lead healthier, more productive lives,” Olowookere remarked. She emphasized that while healthcare facilities are critical, a proactive approach through investment in accessible fitness facilities is key to fostering a healthier society.
In view of the benefits of fitness and wellness, the CEO submitted, “We have seen the impact of COVID-19 on health awareness, but we need a sustainable infrastructure for public fitness. Government support could transform our ability to reach more people and encourage active lifestyles for all,” she stated, adding that several government agencies had shown interest in potential partnerships during the fair.
Meanwhile, the Lead for Growth and Strategy at Fitness+, Obioma Akubueze informed the publics, stressing that the fair is just the beginning of Fitness+’s commitment to making fitness widely accessible. “We know that some people can’t afford regular gym memberships, so we created the fair as an open community event to show that fitness doesn’t have to be exclusive.
“With two successful editions now, we are thrilled to announce that we plan to expand the fair beyond Yaba, making it a citywide initiative that promotes a healthy lifestyle across Lagos and beyond”, Akubueze shared.
With growing attendance and enthusiastic community support, the Yaba Fitness Fair has become a staple for Lagos residents looking to embrace healthier lifestyles. This year’s event saw an increase in attendance, as participants rallied around the idea of fitness as a sustainable, everyday practice rather than a luxury.
“The turnout, the energy, the engagement – it’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come,” said Olowookere. “Fitness+ has always believed that fitness is a way of life, not just a goal, and events like this help us bring that message directly to the community.”
Participants shared the positive impact the fair has had on their lives, with many calling for more community-oriented fitness events to continue the momentum. The fitness sessions, free expert advice, and wellness resources provided at the fair were designed to meet people wherever they are on their wellness journey, ensuring that fitness is accessible, practical, and above all, enjoyable.
With its success, the Yaba Fitness Fair is poised to become a major force for wellness advocacy in Nigeria. Looking ahead, Fitness+ aims to expand the fair to other parts of Lagos and beyond, promoting wellness across a broader audience and creating stronger community bonds through fitness. “Fitness+ is here to stay,” Akubueze emphasized. “Our goal is to create accessible fitness experiences for all Nigerians, one fair at a time. We’re committed to helping people live healthier, fuller lives, and the support from our community shows that we’re moving in the right direction.”
Fitness+ is a leading fitness and lifestyle company committed to promoting health and wellness in Nigeria through engaging community events, professional fitness training, and accessible wellness resources. With two locations in Yaba and Ikota, Lagos, Fitness+ is dedicated to making fitness a fun and approachable lifestyle choice for all.
