FCTA PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROMOTES STAFF WELLNESS WITH FITNESS EXERCISE
By: Khadijat Kawunda
The Public Health Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified efforts to promote workplace wellness with a fitness exercise designed to encourage physical activity, reduce occupational stress and enhance staff productivity.
The exercise, held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Department’s car park in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, brought together scores of staff who participated in cardio routines, stretching exercises and team-building activities.
The initiative, organised under the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), is part of efforts to promote preventive health and make physical wellness an integral part of the working environment within the FCT public service. The FCTA’s Public Health Department is mandated to promote wellness and prevent disease as part of its broader public health responsibilities.
Leading the exercise, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Teresa Nwachukwu, joined staff in the workout, demonstrating leadership by example and underscoring the importance of healthy practices among public health professionals.
Addressing participants, Dr. Nwachukwu said public health personnel should exemplify the healthy lifestyle choices and preventive behaviours they encourage residents to adopt.
She noted that prolonged periods at office desks, coupled with demanding workloads, could contribute to physical fatigue and occupational stress when not balanced with regular physical activity.
According to her, maintaining good physical and mental health is essential to effective public service, stressing that a healthy workforce is better positioned to deliver quality services to residents of the FCT.
Dr. Nwachukwu also expressed her commitment to institutionalising regular fitness activities within the Department, rather than treating the exercise as a one-off event.
She urged heads of divisions and supervisors to support a workplace culture that enables staff to prioritise their health while effectively carrying out their official responsibilities.
In her remarks, the Head of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Unit, Dr. Adeyemi, who delivered the vote of thanks, commended the Director and staff for their enthusiastic participation.
Dr. Adeyemi cautioned that prolonged sedentary lifestyles could increase the risk of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
She encouraged staff to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines as part of a preventive approach to health.
The exercise is consistent with the FCTA Public Health Department’s broader focus on workplace wellness and prevention of non-communicable diseases. Earlier in 2026, the Department highlighted workplace wellness and regular physical activity as part of efforts to combat hypertension and promote healthier lifestyles among workers.
The Public Health Department reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining periodic staff wellness activities and urged residents across the six Area Councils of the FCT to embrace regular physical activity, healthy eating and other preventive health practices.
