The Cross River State Government has further demonstrated its commitment to the health, wellbeing and productivity of its workforce with the successful hosting of the August edition of the Monthly Aerobics and Medical Checks Programme
Organised by the Office of the Head of Service, the exercise brought together civil and public servants from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the state at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, for a morning of physical exercise, health screening and recreational activities
The monthly initiative is designed to promote preventive healthcare and regular physical activity among workers, while providing an informal platform for civil servants from different MDAs to interact, build relationships and strengthen teamwork
Participants enthusiastically took part in a range of activities, including aerobics, track races, sack races and other team-based recreational competitions, creating an atmosphere that combined fitness, camaraderie and relaxation
Speaking during the programme, Francis Edet of the Ministry of Education commended the Office of the Head of Service for sustaining the initiative, stressing that a healthy workforce was fundamental to efficiency, productivity and effective public service delivery
Edet encouraged civil servants to make regular exercise and healthy living a personal responsibility, noting that preventive healthcare remained preferable to waiting until health challenges became serious before seeking medical attention
He added that beyond its physical benefits, the monthly exercise offered workers an opportunity to unwind, reduce workplace stress, interact with colleagues and develop stronger bonds that could enhance collaboration in the workplace
Also speaking, Michael Etim of the Office of the Head of Service described the programme as a commendable initiative that extends beyond physical fitness to encompass the overall wellbeing, morale and productivity of civil servants
Etim encouraged workers to take advantage of the medical checks provided during the programme and pay closer attention to their health, lifestyle and general wellbeing, describing the combination of exercise, medical awareness and recreation as an important investment in the state’s workforce
The programme has continued to foster interaction among civil servants, promote awareness of healthy lifestyle practices and provide a healthy outlet for workplace pressures, while strengthening the sense of community among public servants across the state
