By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Director-General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to staff welfare by expanding its sports and wellness programme and announcing that the institute’s staff wellness clinic is now ready ahead of its scheduled commissioning on July 16.
Prof. Sulaiman made the announcement on Saturday at the close of the second edition of the NILDS Staff Sports and Wellness Programme for 2026, where staff also praised the initiative for improving their health, boosting morale and strengthening teamwork across the institute.
The Director-General described the programme as more than a recreational activity, saying it represents a deliberate investment in the physical, mental and social well-being of employees.
He explained that management expanded the sporting and recreational activities in response to feedback from staff after the maiden edition, with the aim of encouraging wider participation and fostering stronger workplace relationships.
He disclosed that the institute’s staff wellness clinic is now ready and will be commissioned on July 16, fulfilling a commitment he made during the first edition of the programme.
According to him, a healthy and motivated workforce remains critical to achieving the institute’s mandate, while regular physical exercise and social interaction help reduce stress, improve teamwork and enhance productivity.
Prof. Sulaiman urged staff to embrace the initiative wholeheartedly, stressing that wellness is a shared responsibility.
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He also encouraged heads of departments to mobilise their teams, especially female staff and corps members, to participate actively in future editions, noting that interaction outside the office promotes inclusion, mentorship and stronger interpersonal relationships.
Earlier, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Musibau Moshood, said the programme reflects management’s determination to build a healthy, inclusive and highly motivated workforce.
He noted that this edition featured additional sporting and recreational activities based on recommendations from staff and thanked management, the planning committee and employees for ensuring its success.
Participants described the initiative as a welcome intervention that promotes healthier lifestyles and a more united workforce.
Aminat Sulaimon, said the programme was both refreshing and enlightening, giving staff the opportunity to exercise, interact with colleagues and step away from the demands of daily office work.
She described the Director-General as “a leader, mentor and father figure” whose commitment to staff welfare continues to inspire employees.
Ogechi Nnamani, said regular physical activity is essential for healthy living, adding that the initiative encourages workers to make exercise part of their everyday routine.
For Suzie Odeh, the programme has strengthened unity among staff by creating an informal atmosphere where colleagues can interact beyond official duties.
She said the Director-General’s investment in employee well-being demonstrates genuine concern for staff welfare and will ultimately improve service delivery.
Audrawas Musa, also applauded the initiative, saying it has promoted oneness among staff from different departments.
He particularly commended Prof. Sulaiman for participating in the exercise sessions himself, describing his involvement as leadership by example.
Chinedu Echianu, described the programme as a deliberate effort to improve both the physical and mental well-being of employees.
He welcomed the decision to make the exercise a quarterly event, saying it would help build a healthier workforce, strengthen teamwork and improve productivity across the institute.
Meanwhile the DG, led staff in areobic sessions, while some games of the day included Table tenins, Snooker, Badminton, Foitball, Tug of war, Ludo, Chess etc.
The event featured cash and medal presentations to winners in various sporting activities. Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, of DLSS won the men’s table tennis title, while Solomon Kuyet of the Library emerged champion in snooker and Tobi Osimokun of Democracy Radio claimed the badminton title.
In the women’s category, Saratu Hamalai of DLSS won the table tennis event, Ebere Igwe of Democracy Radio emerged winner in snooker, while Tobechukwu Rosemary of the Library claimed the badminton title.
The quarterly sports and wellness programme forms part of NILDS’ broader strategy to promote healthy living, improve workplace performance and strengthen collaboration among members of staff.
