The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, Dr. Ikrama Hassan, has called on citizens and government employees to adopt regular physical exercise as a preventive measure against sudden death and non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Ikrama made the appeal on Sunday – yesterday, January 12 – at the finals of a football tournament organized for the hospital’s staff as part of a week-long sporting event to promote wellness and fitness among employees.
“Engaging in physical activities reduces the risks of sudden death and conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension,” he stated. “Exercise also enhances mental health, fosters camaraderie, and promotes relaxation. Health is wealth, and physical fitness is integral to overall health improvement,” he stressed.
The CMD explained that the initiative was prompted by growing concerns over the prevalence of sudden deaths, often linked to physical inactivity.
“This marks the first competition of its kind in the hospital. We are starting internally to encourage fitness among our staff, with plans to expand into other sports like basketball and lawn tennis in the future,” Dr. Ikrama added.
The football competition concluded with the Management Team clinching a 2-1 victory over the Department of Nurses in a thrilling final.
An awards ceremony followed, recognizing outstanding performances and dedication among the staff.
Dr. Ikrama urged organizations across Nasarawa State to emulate the initiative, emphasizing the benefits of sports for physical and mental health, workplace harmony, and team spirit.
“Organizations should establish platforms for their staff to engage in sports and fitness activities. Beyond the health benefits, it builds stronger relationships and creates a more productive work environment. We are exploring partnerships for inter-organizational competitions,” he stated.
The event received widespread praise for its inclusivity, as all participants were members of staff of the hospital.
Dr. Ikrama assured that similar initiatives could be sustained with minimal resources.
The week-long activities concluded on a high note, with participants expressing excitement about future competitions aimed at fostering health, unity, and wellness within and beyond the hospital community.
