By Becky John
The Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okojo Iweala, has advised staff of the various ministries and parastatal agencies to always keep fit for better service delivery. Okonjo-Iweala gave the advice on Tuesday in Abuja while inaugurating a clinic and crèche for the Ministry of Finance. She said that the facilities were part of the measures to ensure better welfare for staff of the ministry.
The minister said about 70 percent staff of the ministry had high blood pressure and explained that the clinic was necessary as a preventive measure. She said ”the amount of stress we go through and hours we have to work at the ministry on a daily basis is unbelievable in a circumstance of very tight and scarce resources.
“I am very happy for this clinic because before somebody collapses, he can quickly go to the clinic for medications.
Okonjo-Iweala expressed optimism that the facility would further motivate members of staff to do their job better. She said the creche was not restricted to the women alone but men who had children less than two years could also enjoy the facility and be able to see their children. The Minister of State for Finance, Mr Musa Yuguda, said high blood pressure was a common ailment in Nigeria and the clinic would provide first aid for staff.
“The whole idea is to have a healthy workforce and with a healthy workforce, we will be more focused to deliver to Nigerians.”
He said measures had also been put in place to sustain the facilities. Also, the Head of Service, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Tope Ajakaye, commended the efforts of the ministry. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs Anastasia Daniel-Nwaobia, said the idea of the clinic was conceived after a worker of the ministry collapsed at work. She thanked those who contributed in making the project a success and urged the staff to put the facility to good use.
