India, Nigeria, and the United Nations (UN) have underscored the need for constant Yoga practice to boost the mental and physical well-being of citizens.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Gangandharan Balasubramanian, gave the advice in his official address at the 9th International Day of Yoga ceremony on Saturday in Abuja.
The event was organised by the Indian High Commission through support from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, as well as other sponsors.
Balasubramanian described Yoga as an ancient form of exercise, which is a great form of following nature to be in tune with it and become flexible.
According to the envoy, healthy living has become important, therefore the need to for people to practice Yoga often to improve their physical ability and stay physically fit.
Balasubramanian said, “Everybody will certainly grow old and it will be a happy old age, if we continue to do this.
“The art form of Yoga also takes into consideration the reading exercise, this entails how to intentionally control your breath.
“This helps people to get immunity and enough oxygen within their body system, if done properly.
“The High Commission organises three Yoga classes everyday from 4 p.m. in the evening till 7 p.m. and you all are encouraged to join.
“This exercise is followed every where in the world today until June 21, 2023.”
Speaking at the event also, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary in Nigeria’s youth and sports development ministry said Yoga had been recognised in Nigeria since June 21, 2015.
He said the event had since become globally acclaimed annual fiesta in the country through partnership between both countries.
According to him, Yoga is about a series of contractions that combines intentional breathing at intervals to improve mobility and organise the mind, body, and soul for optimum productivity, healthy living and wellbeing.
Abubakar said, “Yoga is a safe practice for all age groups, sex and social background, as it provides variety of exercise all times.
“I implore all our citizens to embrace Yoga as a form of reliable exercise for our physical and mental well-being.
“Our gathering here today to celebrate the Day records a significant milestone in the history of India and Nigeria.
“It demonstrates what both countries stand for and have to gain from the long standing bilateral relations between India and Nigeria.
“We are already looking forward to next year’s celebration.”
In a separate interview, UN Resident Coordinator to Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale, praised the Indian High Commission for commemorating the Day.
Schmale said the commemoration of the Day had increased awareness on the importance of healthy living.
“It is very clear from this session that it is important to look after our bodies and Yoga is the perfect practice to enable people to stay mentally and physically healthy.
“So, I am very grateful that a good example was shown here and that all of us will be inspired to continue to practice Yoga beyond today,” Schmale said.
He promised to encourage his colleagues at the World Health Organisation and UNICEF to give attention to their mental and physical well-being through constant Yoga practice.
The Day was instituted by the UN based on the India’s proposal which was supported by 177 countries worldwide.
All 177 countries sponsored the resolution to promote the value that Yoga provides for humanity. (NAN)
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