Adamu Bello, a fitness instructor at the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in Lagos, recently shared his extensive sports journey and valuable fitness insights in an exclusive interview.
Adamu began his fitness journey in 2003, after initially being involved in sports as a footballer. Reflecting on his early days, he told Sports247, “I’ve been into sports before; I used to be a footballer. After my playing days, I developed an interest in fitness. I started learning around 1998, 2000, and fully engaged in 2003.”
His transition from football to fitness was motivated by the need to address lapses in the fitness sector. “I saw people coming to the stadium wanting to lose weight and be healthy. I started joining them and realized this was something I needed to do. I’ve helped many people lose weight and live healthily,” Adamu explained.
During his football career, Adamu played locally in Kano State, including a stint with the Kano Pillars feeder team. His aspiration to play professionally was thwarted by systemic challenges, leading him to shift his focus to fitness. “No matter how good you are, you either pay the coach or forfeit your salary. This discouraged me from continuing football at an early age.”
Adamu’s passion for fitness has seen him engage deeply with the industry. He has worked with various fitness clubs across Lagos and helped many instructors improve their services. “I’ve joined and developed fitness clubs, and I’ve helped instructors understand their roles better. I see fitness as my life, something I love and am deeply involved in.”
Adamu Bello envisions a significant role for fitness in Nigerian sports in the coming years. “In the next three, four, five years, I see fitness reaching new heights. We don’t have a unified fitness forum in Nigeria, but efforts are underway to organize one. This will help professionalize the industry and ensure better integration of fitness in sports teams.”
Despite his contributions, Adamu remains humble about his future. “Right now, I’m a one-man squad. God has plans for me, and I trust wherever He leads me. My initial plan was to go abroad, but God led me to stay in Lagos and focus on fitness.”
Adamu’s journey with NIS started with the help of his brother, who was also a fitness instructor. “My brother, a handball player and lecturer, introduced me to NIS. I started on a contract basis, and through dedication, I became a permanent staff member.”
Adamu Bello’s journey from football to fitness is a testament to his dedication and passion for sports and well-being. His insights and contributions continue to inspire many in the Nigerian sports community.
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