The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has encouraged members of staff to embrace regular physical exercise as a lifestyle, describing it as essential for improved health, enhanced productivity and effective service delivery.
The DG gave the charge during the Monthly Keep-Fit Exercise organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), held on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. He was represented by his Media Aide, Mr. Nkem Anyata-Lafia.
Commending the initiative, Buba Yakub described the monthly fitness programme as a laudable intervention that promotes the physical and mental well-being of public servants. He urged NTAC staff to go beyond participating in the monthly exercise by making aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities part of their daily routine to maintain good health and optimal performance.
In her remarks, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, represented by Dr. Garba Abdul, said the programme was designed to encourage healthy living and improve productivity among civil servants who often have limited time for regular physical activity. She called on MDAs yet to participate consistently to renew their commitment, noting that the initiative forms part of the welfare package for workers under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Also speaking at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Mahmoud; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Kamil A. Shoretire; and the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Aloku Amaebi. They all underscored the importance of the programme and reaffirmed their support for its continued implementation.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding MDAs in the categories of Most Punctual MDA, Best Kitted MDA and Best Behaved MDA. Among the recipients were the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Federal Ministry of Works.
The exercise concluded on a colourful and celebratory note, with participants reaffirming their commitment to maintaining healthier lifestyles through regular physical activity.
Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi, anipr
Head, (Information & Public Relations)
Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
July 25, 2026
