Health
Prioritise regular health checks, Ogun urges civil servants
By Taiwo Bankole
The health and well-being of public servants remain fundamental to the effectiveness of the public service, as a healthy workforce is better equipped to discharge its responsibilities with efficiency, commitment and sustained productivity.
The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, stated this at the flag-off of a diagnostic programme tagged “Know Your Health Status”, organised by the state government as part of activities commemorating the 2026 Public Service Day. The event was held at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
In a statement on Wednesday, Saka said the programme was designed to provide workers with an opportunity to prioritise their health through preventive care, health screening and early detection.
He encouraged public servants to take full advantage of the initiative, noting that timely health checks could facilitate the early identification of potential health challenges and enable appropriate measures to be taken to maintain healthy and productive lives.
He said, “The State Government, under the purposeful leadership of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to the welfare and well-being of public servants.
“This commitment is reflected in the extension of the palliative allowance, weekly one-day-off arrangement, timely payment of salaries and other legitimate entitlements, as well as sustained investment in capacity building and professional development.
“These measures underscore the administration’s recognition that the well-being, motivation and continuous development of public servants are essential to building a productive workforce and delivering quality services to our people. I therefore encourage everyone to make regular health checks a personal habit rather than wait until symptoms arise.
“Embrace preventive healthcare, adopt healthier lifestyles and pay great attention to your physical and mental well-being, as a healthy public servant is better positioned to serve with energy, clarity of purpose and sustained commitment.”
In their separate submissions, a Consultant Family Physician, Dr. Adekunle Adekanmbi; a Registered Dietician and Nutritionist, Mrs. Moyosore Ademuyiwa; and a Chief Physiotherapist, Mr. Kolawole Mustapha, advised workers to adopt healthy habits as a means of promoting early detection of health challenges before they develop into life-threatening ailments.
They emphasised the importance and benefits of taking breakfast and avoiding skipped meals, noting that proper meal timing and appropriate portions help the body function optimally.
Simple physical exercises suitable for the office environment were also demonstrated to help prevent joint and neck pains and reduce the health risks associated with prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle.
Also speaking, a Deputy Director from the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme, Mrs. Tinu Sennuga, encouraged workers who had yet to register with the scheme to do so, noting that it offers several benefits, including access to healthcare services, particularly when beneficiaries are financially constrained.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mr. Akintomide Osibodu, appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving the programme, urging workers to justify the government’s investment by taking maximum advantage of the initiative and becoming more productive at their duty posts.
Recall that the 2026 Public Service Day started on Friday with a special Jumat service held at the Government Secretariat Mosque, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
This was followed with a special church service held on Sunday at the Government House Chapel Isale-Igbein, Abeokuta.
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