The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare, health and overall well-being of officers and staff of the Commission, stressing that a healthy workforce is critical to sustaining the agency’s fight against economic and financial crimes.
Olukoyede made this known on Tuesday during the EFCC International Men’s Day Wellness Seminar organised by the Commission’s Staff Welfare Services (SWS), where experts urged male officers to pay greater attention to their physical, mental and emotional health.
The seminar, themed “Promoting Men’s Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-being for Enhanced Productivity,” brought together male officers of the Commission for interactive sessions on preventive healthcare, work-life balance, stress management and mental wellness.
Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr Muhammad Hammajoda, the EFCC Chairman said staff welfare remains one of the key priorities of his administration, noting that the Commission would continue to introduce programmes aimed at improving the health, morale and productivity of its workforce.
According to him, the wellness seminar forms part of broader staff welfare initiatives designed to address challenges affecting officers while creating an environment that promotes professional excellence and personal well-being.
“The Commission remains committed to supporting every member of staff, particularly in the area of welfare. This programme is part of our continuous efforts to ensure officers remain healthy, motivated and productive,” he said.
Delivering a presentation on balancing career, family responsibilities and personal well-being, clinical psychologist and family therapist, Mr Jeph Oluwagbemiga, observed that many men struggle with enormous pressures arising from work, family expectations and health-related issues.
He advised participants to consciously maintain a healthy balance between their careers, family life and personal well-being, stressing that emotional stability and good health ultimately translate into improved productivity and stronger family relationships.
Also speaking, mental health specialist, Dr Bukola Williams, urged officers to embrace preventive healthcare through regular medical check-ups, healthy eating habits and routine physical exercise.
She warned that many illnesses affecting men could be prevented or effectively managed if detected early, while also discouraging excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and other unhealthy lifestyle choices.
In another presentation titled “Breaking the Silence: Encouraging Healthy Conversations and Support-Seeking Behaviour,” licensed clinical psychologist, Dr Muhsin Jega, encouraged men to overcome the culture of suffering in silence.
He urged participants to freely seek emotional support from trusted family members, friends, colleagues and religious leaders whenever they experience psychological or emotional challenges, describing such conversations as essential to maintaining good mental health.
Earlier, the Acting Director of Staff Welfare Services, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Mrs Felicia Bot-Timothy, said the seminar was specifically organised to address the unique health challenges confronting male officers.
She observed that many men often neglect routine medical examinations, suppress emotional struggles and delay seeking professional help until health conditions become critical.
Bot-Timothy commended Olukoyede for placing staff welfare high on the Commission’s agenda through several initiatives, including regular medical screening, monthly fitness exercises and the establishment of a fully equipped in-house gymnasium for officers.
She expressed optimism that the seminar would encourage participants to adopt healthier lifestyles while improving their physical fitness, emotional resilience and overall productivity.
The EFCC has, in recent months, expanded its internal staff welfare programmes as part of efforts to build a healthier and more effective workforce capable of sustaining the Commission’s anti-corruption mandate.
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