The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has organized a two-day health awareness programme for its staff focusing on hypertension, stress management, emotional intelligence, leadership, and management skills.
The programme, which began in Abuja on Thursday and ends Friday, is aimed at promoting good health, strengthening workplace relationships, and improving management capabilities among workers in the ministry.
Declaring the programme open, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, described the initiative as timely and necessary in view of the increasing demands of public service.
“As officers entrusted with critical national responsibilities, we must recognize that good health and sound emotional well-being are essential ingredients for effective service delivery, professionalism, and institutional excellence,” she said.
Akujobi noted that the programme would provide participants with preventive measures, healthier lifestyle choices, and practical approaches to managing workplace and personal stress.
She further stated that the inclusion of emotional intelligence, leadership, and management skills reflected the ministry’s commitment to fostering workplace harmony and professional effectiveness.
“In today’s dynamic work environment, technical competence alone is no longer sufficient, but rather the ability to lead with empathy, manage people effectively, communicate constructively, and maintain emotional balance is equally critical,” she added.
The permanent secretary commended the organisers and urged participants to actively engage resource persons and apply the knowledge gained to both their personal and professional lives.
Speaking during the programme, public health physician and epidemiologist, Dr. Emeka Izuagba, recommended regular monitoring of vital signs and consistent physical exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, running, and gymnastics to prevent and manage hypertension.
Also speaking, consultant cardiologist Professor Etubi Ibrahim described hypertension as a “silent killer” that often shows no obvious symptoms.
He said proper management of the condition requires adherence to prescribed medications, adequate sleep, reduced salt intake, stress control, and low-cholesterol diets, while cautioning against the use of unverified traditional herbs due to dosage risks.
According to him, major risk factors for hypertension include genetics, age, race, gender, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity.
Meanwhile, consultant neurosurgeon Professor Joseph Obande said effective leaders create supportive work environments by promoting teamwork, encouraging open communication, and recognising staff contributions.
He warned that poor leadership could create fear, anxiety, and tension in workplaces, while recommending counselling, therapy, strong social support systems, and balanced diets as strategies for stress management.
