The Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Mni, has said the Federal Government is poised to revive all Federal Civil Service Clubs to boost productivity, in line with the 2017 – 2020 Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Walson-Jack, stated this on Saturday 19th May, 2018, during an inspection tour of five (5) Federal Civil Service Club facilities located in Lagos, Abeokuta and Ibadan. “We are happy that we have such facilities in place, by the time the facilities and operations of the clubs are rebranded, we will have Clubs that will create a vibrant and satisfying environment’’ she added.
She furthers stated that the rehabilitation of the facilities, will enhance quality of life intellectually, socially, culturally and psychologically. “To boost productivity, we need a good place to relax after a hard day’s job and relate more closely. We are going to ensure that the clubs become the envy of non-Civil Servants. It is important that Civil Servants know that we care about their welfare and well-being and this, I believe, will translate into quality service delivery”.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized that beside the health benefits of reducing stress, and enhancing physical fitness, relaxing together will foster unity and enhance networking among Civil Servants. “We are inspecting all Federal Civil Service Clubs across the country that should be of great benefit to Civil Servants, in terms of their recreation and relaxation and we encourage all Civil Servants to register and become active members of the Clubs”.
Walson-Jack, observed that most of the buildings are old and need to be renovated and upgraded with modern facilities. She added that the visit marks the beginning of the very much needed attention that will be given to the clubs. She enthused that the current Administration and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation place a lot of priority on the project.
She commended the administrative members of the clubs who have exercised foresight in conserving and using the properties and available facilities wisely, stressing that their patriotic zeal have kept the clubs functional in the face of daunting challenges.
In her remarks, the Federal Controller housing in Ibadan, Oyo State, Rev. Mrs. Alawode, noted that the visit which was the first of its kind in the history of the club has rekindled the hope of club members that government is interested in the welfare and well-being of Civil Servants. She commended the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for the laudable initiative and on behalf of other members, pledged to support government in this renewed drive to reposition the Civil Service Clubs.
Adding his own voice along the same line, the chairman of Federal Civil Service Club, Yaba, Lagos Mr. Olatunji Arekemase, decried low patronage at the club owing to the poor state of facilities. He however commended the visit by the Permanent Secretary. He pledged full co-operation and support towards the realization of the lofty ideas of upgrading and repositioning the Clubs.
Ogunmosunle,O.A.
Director Press& Media Relations,
Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
