Civil and public servants in Cross River, have been encouraged to take advantage of the monthly wellness programme sponsored by the Cross River State Government, which includes aerobics and complementary medical services aimed at improving their health and boosting productivity.
The Head of Service, Orok Okon, disclosed this during the monthly exercise, held every last Friday at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State in southern Nigeria.
Okon characterised the monthly wellness initiative as an integral component of the government’s commitment to fostering healthy living among employees and enhancing overall efficiency within the state’s public service.
According to him, workers from the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) participated in the morning aerobics session under the guidance and coaching of professional instructors through a series of physical exercises for fitness, increased energy levels and healthier lifestyles.
He said, “The Cross River State government is committed to broadening access to healthcare. Besides, conducting blood pressure, malaria and blood sugar tests, the office of the Head of Service included an eye test. Our goal is to ensure that the workers receive free comprehensive health services.
“We have professional coaches at the stadium, helping all of us participate in exercises that benefit heart health, the muscles – aerobics – not the very rigorous type. But, exercises beneficial to young and older workers,” Okon said.
Some civil servants, who took part in the exercise held in June said that over the last six months, the initiatives and healthcare outreach programmes have fostered opportunities for ongoing collaboration among government agencies.
They said the programme was a platform for all government employees to become aware of their health conditions, noting that they now look forward to the exercise as a regular feature of their monthly schedules.
Participants commended the state government for sustaining the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial in promoting wellness as well as the early detection and management of potential health challenges.
The Head of Service encouraged all civil and public servants, including others in the private sector and federal government agencies, to take advantage of the initiative for a healthier, more resilient and productive public service.
