The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has organized a two-day health awareness program for its staff on hypertension , stress management ,emotional intelligence, as well as leadership and management skills.
The program, is geared towards promoting good health, strengthening workplace relationships, and enhancing management capabilities among staff.
The health awareness program is being held in Abuja from Thursday, 7th to Friday, 8th May, 2026.
Declaring the program open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, described the initiative as timely and crucial, given the increasing demands of public service and the need to maintain a healthy, productive, and emotionally balanced workforce.
“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,” Dr. Akujobi said.
She added that, the program would equip participants with preventive measures, healthier lifestyle choices, and practical approaches to managing workplace and personal stress.
The permanent secretary, further noted that , the inclusion of emotional intelligence, leadership, and management skills underscores the Ministry’s commitment to fostering interpersonal relationships, 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 emphasized.
Dr. Akujobi commended the organizers and urged all participants to actively engage in the sessions, interact with the resource persons, and apply the knowledge gained to both their personal and professional lives.
In his presentation, Dr. Emeka Izuagba, a public health physician and epidemiologist, recommended regular monitoring of vital signs and consistent physical activity such as brisk walking, jogging, running, and gymnastics as an effective way to prevent and manage hypertension.
A consultant cardiologist, Professor Etubi Ibrahim, described hypertension as a “silent killer” that often presents without obvious symptoms.
He stressed that proper management involves adherence to prescribed medications, regular sleep, reduced salt intake, avoidance of raw salt, stress control, and a low-cholesterol diet. He strongly discouraged the use of unverified traditional herbs due to risks associated with improper dosage.
Professor Etubi also highlighted key risk factors for hypertension, including genetics/family history, age, race, gender, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and overweight/obesity.
Meanwhile, consultant neurosurgeon Professor Joseph Obande, in his presentation on stress management, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills, noted that effective leaders create supportive work environments, promote teamwork, encourage open communication, and recognize staff contributions.
He warned that poor leadership could breed fear, anxiety, and tension in the workplace.
Prof. Obande also recommended counseling, therapy, strong social support systems, and a balanced diet as key strategies for managing individual stress.
Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director,
Information and Public Relations
7th May, 2026.
