News Editor
By David Odama
Worried by the highe deaths in the society, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ikrama Hassan, has has appealed to staff of the hospital and other Nigerians to embrace daily and regular physical exercise to reduce the risks of sudden death and non-communicable diseases.
Speaking during the finals of a football competition organized for hospital staff, Dr. Hassan said the tournament was organized to Reawaken the need for both physical and mental health.
The tournament which formed part of a week-long sporting event, Dr Ikrama said it was designed to promote wellness among hospital employees
“This is the first competition of its kind at the hospital. We decided to start internally by promoting fitness among our staff. We are committed to making this a continuous tradition, with plans to introduce other sports like basketball and lawn tennis in the future,” he said.
“Engaging in physical activities to reduces the risks of sudden death and other health challenges such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Exercise also promotes relaxation, camaraderie, and mental well-being. Health is wealth, and physical fitness is essential for overall health improvement.”, the CMD stated.
The football competition culminated with the Management Team securing a 2-1 victory over the Department of Nurses in a closely contested final.
He admonished the organizers to create platforms for their staff to engage in sports and fitness activities, adding that it would not only improve on the physical and mental health but also build team spirit and fosters harmonious working relationship.
” We are already planning to collaborate with other organizations for inter-organizational competitions to bring about more health benefit , strengthen working relationship and Forester unity and cohesion””.
The event was widely praised for its inclusivity, as all participants were hospital staff. The CMD assured that such initiatives were sustainable and would require minimal resources.
The week-long activities concluded on a high note, with participants expressing enthusiasm for future competitions aimed at promoting health and unity within and beyond the hospital community.
An awards ceremony followed the match, where outstanding staff members were recognized for their dedication. Dr. Hassan used the occasion to encourage other organizations in Nasarawa State to adopt similar initiatives.
