The Head of Service of Cross River State, Barr. Orok Bassey Okon, has introduced a City Walk initiative to promote healthy living, preventive healthcare and improved staff welfare in the State Public Service.
The maiden edition, held on Friday, started at the Millennium Park, Calabar, popularly known as Eleven-Eleven. It passed through Mary Slessor, Marian Hill and IBB Way, and terminated at the U. J. Esuene Stadium for the aerobic sessions.
The walk brought together civil and public servants from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for a morning of fitness, wellness and social interaction.
The event, flagged off by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Dr. Mary-Theresa Agede Ebe, featured aerobics sessions, the city walk, music truck entertainment, recreational activities and free medical checks.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ebe emphasised the importance of physical fitness and healthy lifestyles in sustaining a healthy, energetic and productive workforce. She noted that regular physical activity was essential to general well-being and to reducing health risks among workers.
On his part, the Director of Administration, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Egan Irebu, commended the State Government for the initiative, observing that increasing reports of sudden deaths and health-related challenges have made regular exercise and medical checks imperative, adding that the programme would help public servants become more conscious of their health.
Also speaking, the Director-General, Guild of Directors, Obol Obeten Enang, urged participants not to take the opportunity for granted, observing that many public servants do not ordinarily engage in organised physical exercise.
He encouraged them to maximise the benefits of the initiative and make fitness a regular habit.
Beyond its health benefits, the programme provided an avenue for workers across different MDAs to interact, strengthen professional relationships and foster unity in a relaxed atmosphere outside the office.
With the theme "More Movement, More Energy, A Healthier You," the initiative reflects the Office of the Head of Service's commitment to institutionalising wellness and making staff welfare an integral part of public service administration.
The City Walk is expected to complement the existing monthly aerobics and medical checks programme, while encouraging public servants to embrace preventive healthcare and incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines.
The initiative is being driven with the support of Barr. Okon, in furtherance of the State Government's commitment to building a healthier, more vibrant and productive workforce, recognising that the well-being of public servants is critical to effective service delivery.
By Kera Okem and Anastasia Ekuma
