By Samuel Ifetoye
Nigerians from all walks of life yesterday trooped to the National Stadium, Lagos, to join in the celebration of the first International Day of Yoga, a day set aside by the United Nations for exercises that enhance healthy living.
The congregation of more than 2000 defied the early morning showers to participate in the event tagged, "Yoga for Hapiness," jointly organised by The Art of Living Living Foundation, National Olympic Committee and Sewa International.
The event, which also featured comments from notable sportsmen, including the president of Sports for All, Henry Amike, Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committe (NOC), Tunde Popoola and Professor Pat Utomi, saw some Indian experts taking the participants through rigorous yoga exercises, including mental aerobics aimed at 'bringing body and soul together.'
Speaking on the importance of physical exercise to Nigerians, Utomi said, "It is essential for each and ever one of us to incorporate Yoga into our daily lives to progress faster as individuals and as a country."
Also speaking on the occassion, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who is founder of the Art of Living Foundation and ambassador of peace and happiness, said,"Yoga helps a human being to unfold his full potential. Yoga improves the quality of life, which is so much needed today. Yoga can wipe the tears and bring smiles on every face. It can bring celebration and skill in everyone's life. So let's celebrate this world Yoga day with zeal and enthusiasm, and reach out this precious ancient knowledge to every human being on this planet."
First published in The Guardian
