The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has reiterated its commitment to institutionalizing wellness initiatives that support a more resilient and productive Civil Service as part of ongoing efforts to promote the health and well-being of public servants.
This announcement was made on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, during the July 2025 edition of the Monthly Walking/Jogging Aerobic Exercise.
“Health is wealth, and a fit, resilient workforce is the backbone of a high-performing and people-centered Civil Service,” said Mrs. Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, OHCSF and Guest Jogger, speaking at the event, which was co-organized by FEPSGA, the OHCSF Wellness Center, and the Events Coordination Team.
She praised Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, the Federation’s Head of the Civil Service, for her outstanding leadership in promoting reforms that balance employee welfare and productivity. Mrs. Oyekunle emphasized that regular physical activity improves mental alertness, lowers stress, and creates a healthier work culture, and she urged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to continue supporting the initiative and ensuring active participation.
She emphasized the support resources that are available and urged employees to utilize the OHCSF Wellness Center, which provides free medical examinations and consultations, and the OHCSF Gym, which is now furnished with cutting-edge exercise equipment. These services are a part of the OHCSF Wellness Program, which aims to promote holistic well-being by including stress management programs, nutrition awareness campaigns, and preventive healthcare services.
She also praised the Events Coordination Team and the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) for their commitment to fostering employee health and urged public employees to embrace fitness as a way of life in addition to their monthly workouts.
Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, praised the dedication of FEPSGA in his remarks, calling it the largest assembly of public servants and thanking the attendees for their steadfast service to the country.
The remarkable attendance, according to Mr. Emeka Vitalis, mni, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, further highlighted the importance of sports in preserving general health and wellbeing.
The FEPSGA President, Mr. Aloku Amaebi, had earlier said in his welcome speech that the exercise is more than just physical activity. Regular exercise, such as today’s jogging, strengthens the heart, increases stamina, improves mental clarity, and builds resilience against stress, he said. He conveyed appreciation to the OHCSF for giving public employees’ health and well-being top priority.
During the event, MDAs received awards in the following categories: Best Behaved, Best Kitted, Highest Attendance, and Punctuality.
Participants in the July edition of the monthly jogging exercise included Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development; Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman of NASENI; representatives from the Federal Character Commission; and directors and senior officials from various MDAs.
By promoting regular physical activity, early medical examinations, and lifestyle modifications that lower health risks and improve long-term workplace productivity, the monthly jogging exercise demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting a proactive approach to health.
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