Sustaining National Development through Healthy Living, Exercise and Fitness in Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainable development is a process that envisions a desirable future state for human societies in which living conditions and resource-use continue to meet human needs without undermining the "integrity, stability and beauty" of natural biotic systems. Thus, for any development to be sustained it needs more than the government efforts indeed citizens of a nation must contribute their quarter. It is also observed that, a person who is healthy and physically fit is an asset to his society as he is more capable of working tirelessly towards maximizing his productivity. A person who is fit is capable of living life to its fullest extent. Physical and mental fitness play very important roles in lives and people who are both, physically and mentally fit are less prone to medical conditions as well. This paper attempts to overview the concept of healthy living, exercise, fitness, sustainable national development and the relationship that exists among them. The paper provides an insight into various challenges confronting sustainable development in Nigeria and finally suggested ways on how to solve these challenges. It is concluded that, to become (and stay) strong and healthy, every one simply needs to move naturally, like all humans used to do not so long ago. Every individual needs to practice fundamental movement skills to develop a baseline of physical competence that is useful in real-life, tangible ways. It is recommended that, it is not only a biological duty, but also a moral duty for everyone to be equipped with the movement skills, strength, conditioning, and mental fortitude that are required to respond effectively to the physical demands of real life. It should also believe that nature is what we all need — the nature outside of us, and just as importantly, the physical nature within.

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