A Patron Role With A Wellness Message
The Executive Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called for stronger participation in sports and regular exercise among staff, saying workplace wellbeing must become part of institutional culture.
She made the appeal in Abuja when members of the FCC Sports Club paid her a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters and formally decorated her as the FCC Sports Club Patron.
According to the Commission’s leadership, staff health and teamwork are increasingly being viewed as key drivers of productivity within public institutions.
When Sports Becomes A Tool For Institutional Discipline
Welcoming the delegation, Omidiran commended the club’s efforts in promoting sporting activities among employees of the Commission.
She noted that sports foster discipline, unity and cooperation — values she said must extend beyond recreational activities into the daily responsibilities of public service.
“Sports teach discipline, unity and selflessness. When you play as a team, you learn to think beyond yourself and work for the success of others,” she said.
“These are values we also need in our daily work and in the way we serve the nation.”
Why Health Now Matters Inside Public Offices
Omidiran stressed that encouraging periodic exercise among staff would help improve both wellbeing and institutional performance.
She said a healthier workforce is more focused, productive and capable of delivering on the mandate of the Commission.
“We must encourage periodic exercise among staff. It is important for our health and overall wellbeing. A healthy workforce is more productive, focused and better positioned to deliver on the Commission’s mandate,” she stated.
Making Sports Inclusive Across Generations
The FCC Chairperson also highlighted the importance of inclusive sporting programmes that accommodate staff across different age groups.
Rather than limiting activities to physically demanding sports, she suggested options such as walking and golf for older staff members, noting that the goal is sustained physical activity and connection among employees.
“Sports is not only for the young. As we grow older, we can move from one activity to another — walking, golf or other games that keep us active,” she said.
“What matters is that we remain engaged, healthy and connected.”
A Club Seeking To Build Unity Beyond The Office
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Sports Manager of the FCC Sports Club, Jamilu Musa Abdullahi, thanked the Chairperson for accepting to serve as patron of the club.
He said the club aims to strengthen unity among staff and create opportunities for interaction outside the formal work environment.
“We believe sports can bring staff together, strengthen teamwork and promote a healthy lifestyle within the Commission,” Abdullahi said.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for staff to connect beyond the office while building unity through sports.”
Members of the delegation included Jummai Nankat (Assistant Sports Manager), Obi Chukwutem (Secretary General), Linda Samuel (Assistant Secretary), Yahaya Adamu Ano (Treasurer), John Akerejola (Accountant), Maxwell Ibe (Welfare Officer) and Ubong Okon (Assistant Welfare Officer).
What Workplace Wellness Signals For Public Institutions
Across government institutions, staff wellness initiatives have increasingly been linked to improved productivity and organisational cohesion.
As Nigerian public agencies face rising expectations for efficiency and service delivery, programmes that promote staff wellbeing are being framed as part of broader institutional reform.
Within that context, the FCC’s sports initiative reflects a wider recognition that workplace culture — including health and teamwork — can influence how effectively institutions perform their public responsibilities.
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