Victor Edozie
The Rivers State University (RSU) Monthly Walk for Life initiative received a major boost as the New Delta Football Club sponsored the October edition and donated ₦2.3 million and 42 pairs of football boots to support the University’s preparations for the 2026 Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games.
The donations comprised ₦2 million from Hon. Engr. Ofiks Kagbang Christopher; 42 pairs of football boots from Engr. Joseph Duntoye, including 20 pairs for the female team and 22 pairs for the male team; and ₦300,000 from Engr. Adol Odok, a former Elder of the club.
Speaking on behalf of the club, Hon. Engr. Ofiks Kagbang Christopher expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for providing the opportunity to sponsor the exercise, noting that the cooperation and support of the University Management made the initiative possible.
He described Rivers State University as an important part of his personal and academic journey, disclosing that he obtained his first degree, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s degree and PhD from the institution. He also acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor’s contributions to his academic progression and encouraged members of the University community to continue supporting the University’s leadership.
Hon. Engr. Kagbang explained that the club’s contributions reflected its commitment to sports development in the University, particularly as RSU prepares for the 2026 NUGA Games. He noted that the cash donations and football boots would provide practical support to the University’s male and female teams and strengthen their preparations for the competition.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, commended the New Delta Football Club for sponsoring the October edition of the Walk for Life, describing the gesture as a demonstration of productive collaboration between the University and other sectors of society.
He observed that although many members of the club were neither alumni nor staff of the University, their involvement in the initiative had created opportunities for stronger relationships, networking and mutually beneficial partnerships. He also appreciated the club for conferring an Award of Honour on him, describing the recognition as an honour to the University.
Professor Zeb-Obipi further acknowledged the individuals supporting the University’s preparations for the 2026 NUGA Games, stressing that such contributions were essential to the realisation of its sporting ambitions. He reiterated his aspiration for Rivers State University to host the NUGA Games before the expiration of his tenure, expressing confidence that the goal could be achieved through collective commitment and support.
Beyond sports development, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the health and wellness objectives of the Walk for Life initiative, emphasising that it was designed not only to encourage physical activity but also to promote health awareness, disease prevention and the early detection of medical conditions.
He stressed that a healthy workforce was essential to building a healthy organisation and urged staff and members of the University community to prioritise their health through regular medical examinations. He particularly encouraged them to take advantage of the health services and routine medical checks available at the University’s Health Services Department.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the initiative aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.
Earlier, Dr Priye Olise of the University’s Health Services Department delivered a health talk titled “Stroke: Know the Signs, Lower the Risk,” during which he educated participants on the causes, risk factors, warning signs and preventive measures associated with stroke.
He explained that stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, resulting in damage to brain cells. He identified the two major types as ischaemic stroke, caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, and haemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain.
Dr Olise identified high blood pressure as one of the leading risk factors for stroke, noting that it often develops without obvious symptoms. Other risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, excessive body weight, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol consumption and irregular heartbeat.
He emphasised that many cases of stroke could be prevented through regular blood pressure monitoring, healthy eating, physical activity, appropriate medical treatment and other positive lifestyle changes. He encouraged participants to consume more fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and fish, reduce their salt intake, avoid smoking and engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly.
The health expert also introduced the BE FAST approach to recognising stroke symptoms, explaining that it stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time. He urged participants to watch out for sudden loss of balance, vision problems, facial drooping, weakness in the arms and difficulty speaking, stressing that the appearance of any of these warning signs requires immediate medical attention.
He advised that anyone suspected of having a stroke should be taken to a hospital emergency department without delay, noting that early medical intervention could save lives and reduce the risk of permanent disability. He cautioned against giving suspected stroke patients food, drinks or aspirin before medical assessment.
Dr Olise further encouraged members of the University community to undergo regular blood pressure checks, keep medical appointments and educate others on stroke prevention and the importance of recognising its warning signs.
