The founder and head advocate of the Waka Community International Foundation, Mr. Lorenz Mba, popularly known as the “Waka Man,” has continued to champion walking as a simple but effective tool for improving public health, wellness, and longevity.
Established in September 2021, the Waka Community International Foundation has grown from Mba’s personal commitment to fitness into a global non-profit wellness movement focused on promoting healthy lifestyles through walking, popularly referred to within the community as “wakaing.”
The foundation advocates a holistic approach to wellness that combines regular walking with proper hydration, responsible nutrition, adequate sleep, and other sustainable healthy habits.
According to Mba, walking was deliberately chosen as the movement’s flagship activity because it removes many of the barriers that prevent people from embracing healthier lifestyles.
“Walking is accessible to almost everyone. It does not require expensive equipment, gym memberships, or specialised training. If you can walk, you can waka,” he said.
The Waka Community International Foundation operates on the belief that consistency is more important than intensity when it comes to long-term health outcomes. Through local chapters, daily walking groups, and virtual wellness challenges, the organisation encourages participants to build healthy habits through regular physical activity and community support.
Mba noted that walking provides an inclusive fitness option for people of all ages, income levels, and fitness backgrounds. He explained that unlike high-intensity exercise programmes that may intimidate beginners, walking offers a low-risk and sustainable pathway to improved physical and mental health.
The movement has steadily expanded beyond Nigeria, attracting members across different countries who participate in organised walking sessions and wellness activities aimed at promoting preventive healthcare.
The foundation also places strong emphasis on hydration awareness, healthy eating, adequate rest, and social connection, using walking as a platform to foster accountability and encourage healthier lifestyles.
Health experts have long recognised walking as an effective form of moderate-intensity exercise. Studies have shown that regular brisk walking contributes to improved cardiovascular health, better blood sugar control, enhanced mental well-being, stronger joint mobility, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Mba argues that society’s focus on intense workout routines often overshadows the benefits of simple daily movement.
“Health does not have to be extreme to be effective. Small, consistent steps can deliver significant long-term benefits,” he said.
The Waka Community International Foundation continues to encourage individuals to embrace walking as a practical and sustainable way to improve overall well-being, regardless of age or fitness level.
The organisation currently welcomes new members through its local and virtual chapters, while also encouraging volunteers, donors, and wellness advocates to support its mission of promoting preventive health and healthy living across communities worldwide.
