A Professor of Exercise Physiology at the University of Ilorin, Adetayo E. Talabi, has identified regular and adequate physical exercise as a potent tool that guarantees human beings the ample opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Prof. Talabi of the Department of Human Kinetics Education, Faculty of Education, made this known last Thursday (January 21, 2016) while delivering the 161st Inaugural Lecture of the University, entitled "Heaven is Far-Only the Fit can Make it".

At the well-attended Lecture, the don said, "Wellness is wealth, peace, harmony – in short 'Heaven on Earth'. Wellness requires a strong body and 'soul'. To achieve complete control and harmony between body and soul, needs a high level of health and fitness".

According to Prof. Talabi, "the body, which consists of atoms, molecules, tissues, organs and system, can be likened to the house/the vehicle, while the soul represents the tenant/the driver". He said, "I regard the soul/spirit as the real man and the body as the vehicle with which it operates. Without the soul (driver) the body (vehicle) is useless and cannot function, and without the body, the soul is not functional on earth".

The Inaugural Lecturer, who is also the immediate past Director of Sports, University of Ilorin, pointed out that "the relationship between the body and the soul is central to the level of well-being", adding that "any abnormality in the soul or body affects the performance of the other and also ultimately determines the level of well-being. For the man (body & soul) to function and be well integrated, exercise is very important".

Prof. Talabi explained that exercise allows individuals to function effectively for a very long time especially during old age when one mostly is expected to be accorded with respect, control, and dignity. The don, therefore, canvassed sports education at all levels, saying that such education must start from the home, through the primary, to the tertiary levels of education. He expressed hope that this would go a long way in providing individuals a life worthy of living.

Prof. Talabi said that exercise is a strong platform to assuage the poor state of the nation's economy, infrastructure, medical systems and personnel, pointing out that regular exercises will create an effective way of reducing the pressure on the economy and health care delivery system. He affirmed that good health and fitness is a foundation for a quality day and life, just as he said that the benefit of good health and fitness if experienced by the rulers and the masses will lead to economic boom for the individual and the nation.

Prof. Talabi, who stated further that the slogan "Sports for all" should be encouraged at all levels of government as a means of national man-power development, pointed out that the World Economic Forum 2002 declared that only the fit and healthy people can provide a strong foundation for economic developments.

He urged the management of the University of Ilorin to initiate physical activity courses for all levels of students as a pre-requisite for graduation, adding that a simple "walk for life" programme at every level will raise the general status of students and better prepare them for future challenges.

Prof. Talabi, who represented the University of Ibadan in Table Tennis at NUGA and WAUG games between 1970 and 1973, and later became the National Champion in Squash game between 1993 and 1995, also advocated the introduction of a course that will involve a walk to the gate and back, once a week, for all students of the University of Ilorin.

He disclosed that he had been an exponent of this philosophy for long, adding, "Since I started practicing this philosophy, I have reduced to the barest minimum my use of any form of medicine, I have reduced my visit to hospitals to about one in five years and I am always loaded with energy and have never felt tired before going to bed, in the last 10 years."

The don said that "physical activity is the best medicine and more importantly it is easy to use, not expensive, cost effective, always available at any place and at all times, and can prevent almost all diseases, and can cure many ailments". He advised all and sundry to "develop positive attitude towards regular exercise, proper nutrition, regular breathing, and regular intakes of copious amount of water".

According to Prof. Talabi, "Exercise scientists are unanimous that there is a difference between a person's chronological and physiological age. That is, a person can be 65years of age and yet have a physiological age of 45, while another one can be 35 years of age and look like an 80 year old person based on the person's fitness and health status". He pointed out that a person can control his physiological age by a regular physical fitness programme, among others. He explained that a fit person enjoys better health and that in turn guarantees better wellness, as "he has the tendency of facing circumstances better and enjoying his life to the utmost without undue stress".

While quoting Prof. L. Emiola to buttress his point, the Inaugural Lecturer affirmed that "even if exercise does not add years to your life, it will definitely add life to your years", adding that "you can never have 'paradise on earth' if you do not have peace of mind and you cannot have peace of mind if you do not enjoy superlative wellness".

Prof. Talabi suggested further that all students in Preventive Medicine (Public and Community Health, as well as Health Education) should offer courses in Health, Fitness and Wellness, as this will help prepare them to be able to encourage wellness lifestyle among the people.