The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare, health and overall well-being of officers of the Commission.
Olukoyede gave the assurance on Tuesday during the EFCC International Men’s Day Wellness Seminar organised by the Commission’s Staff Welfare Services (SWS) in Abuja.
The event, themed, “Promoting Men’s Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-being for Enhanced Productivity,” brought together male officers of the Commission for discussions on health, mental wellness and work-life balance.
Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Muhammad Hammajoda, the EFCC chairman said staff welfare remains a priority and reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to continue implementing initiatives that support the well-being of its workforce.
He explained that the seminar forms part of broader efforts by the Staff Welfare Services Department to provide programmes that address challenges affecting officers and enhance their productivity.
“The Commission is willing to support each and every one of us, particularly in terms of staff welfare. This is part of the staff welfare programme that is being run by the Department of Staff Welfare Services,” he said.
Delivering a lecture on balancing professional and personal responsibilities, clinical psychologist and family therapist Jeph Oluwagbemiga said men often face significant pressures arising from work, family obligations and health-related issues.
He encouraged EFCC officers to maintain a healthy balance between their careers, family life and personal well-being, stressing that doing so would improve productivity, strengthen family relationships and promote better health.
Another resource person, Dr. Bukola Williams, who spoke on men’s physical health and preventive care, urged participants to embrace regular medical examinations, noting that many health conditions affecting men can be prevented through early detection.
She also advised officers to adopt healthier lifestyles by engaging in regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and maintaining good dietary habits.
Speaking on mental health, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Muhsin Jega encouraged participants to break the culture of silence surrounding emotional struggles.
He urged male officers to seek support from family members, trusted friends, colleagues, religious leaders and other confidants whenever they experience personal challenges, emphasizing that asking for help is essential to maintaining both mental and physical well-being.
In her address, the Acting Director of Staff Welfare Services, Felicia Bot-Timothy, said the seminar was specifically designed to address the unique health challenges faced by male personnel within the Commission.
She noted that men are generally less likely to seek medical attention promptly and are more inclined to suppress stress despite facing numerous health risks.
“Men are less likely to go for check-ups or may often delay seeking medical care. They are more likely to bottle up stress, while they face specific health risks,” she said.
Bot-Timothy commended Olukoyede for placing a strong emphasis on staff welfare since assuming office, highlighting several initiatives introduced under his leadership.
According to her, the EFCC chairman has consistently encouraged routine medical check-ups, introduced compulsory monthly fitness exercises for staff and management, and established a modern in-house gymnasium to promote healthier lifestyles.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede, who takes very seriously the issue of welfare and health of the staff of the Commission. He encourages the staff to take their personal health seriously and encourages medical check-ups. He has introduced compulsory monthly exercises for staff and management of the Commission. He also went ahead to provide an in-house standard gym,” she said.
She added that investing in the health of officers would contribute to building a stronger and more productive workforce while reducing the incidence of sick leave among employees.
The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, followed by the ceremonial cutting of the EFCC International Men’s Day Wellness cake.
