12th November, 2017
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government has charged workers under its employ to shun all forms of unhealthy habits and embrace healthy living that will aid productivity.
Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Benson Oke gave this charge at the weekend while delivering keynote address at the annual ‘Participants’ Day’ of the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre, PSSDC, Magodo, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
According to Oke, it was imperative for public servants to develop healthy habits even as much as they develop their intellectual and moral capital.
“A healthy habit is any behaviour that benefits one’s physical, mental and emotional health. These habits include eating well, exercising and avoiding harmful substances, improving one’s overall well-being and making oneself feel well,” Oke, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Pension Office, Senayon Hundeyin said.
The commissioner said the theme of the event, “Towards building a Sustainable Healthier Public Service,” was apt, instructing and also in tune with the aspirations of the state government to nurture a healthy service.
Acting Director-General, PSSDC, Senukon Ajose-Harrison said the theme was chosen because the centre saw the need, apart from training staff, to inculcate healthy habits in staff to enhance productivity.
Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Prof. Adewale Oke, who delivered a lecture on “The Role of Good Health and Healthy Living in Workplace Productivity,” said the health issues confronting civil servants included stress, depression, migrane/headaches, pains, eye problems, among others.
Oke, who was represented by Dr. Lydia Aborishade said to enhance productivity in workplaces, one’s health and wellbeing should be the number one priority, saying nothing else was more important because with poor health, every other things would be grounded.
“Healthy living, lifestyle and habits is all about enjoying yourself without risking your health. Productivity in workplace depends on many factors, such as availability of resources, but the most important of the resources is good health.
“A healthy workforce is needed to drive processes and the policy of the state to achieve sustainable development and building a resilient. Therefore, it is important to consciously educate the staff to be more conscious about their health,” he stated.