Prioritize Mental Health For Better Work Output, BPPC DG Urges Workers
The Director General (DG) of the Benue State Public Procurement Commission, Engr. Dr. Comfort Akwonya Adadu, has emphasized the importance of mental well-being in achieving productivity and efficiency in the workplace. Speaking at a one-day workshop on assessments in Makurdi on Thursday, Dr. Adadu called for the adoption of practices that promote mental health to enhance workplace productivity.
“It is my honor to warmly welcome each of you to this important workshop organized by the Benue State Public Procurement Commission, in collaboration with Life-Cave Global Services and the Ministry of Health and Human Services,” she said. “This initiative underscores our collective commitment to advancing efficiency, transparency, and employee well-being within the sector.”
Dr. Adadu highlighted the workshop’s dual focus: improving the accuracy and transparency of procurement processes and addressing the importance of mental health in the workplace. “The workshop will cover effective methods to complete procurement plans and reporting templates, ensuring that public funds are used responsibly and align with the state’s vision for sustainable development,” she stated.
She further noted that the emphasis on mental health reflects an organizational priority to foster a supportive environment for public sector employees. “When workers are mentally stable, their output improves. Today’s discussions on mental health are not just timely but essential in building a culture of care and respect within our institutions,” she added.
In her remarks, Dr. Adadu expressed gratitude to the workshop’s collaborators and supporters. “I would like to thank our partners, including the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Commissioner of Finance, and Life-Cave Global Services, for their invaluable support in making this workshop possible,” she said. She encouraged attendees to use the insights gained to benefit themselves and ultimately the people of Benue State.
Mr. Alex Ivambe, a facilitator at the workshop, provided training on procurement thresholds, the methods for approval by authorities, and the reporting templates required at the end of the procurement year.
In a session focused on mental health, Dr. Iorlumun Shimakaa, Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists (NACP) at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Makurdi, advised participants to prioritize regular mental health check-ups. “To maintain productivity, workers should develop healthy habits like smiling to relieve stress, staying hydrated, taking breaks during work hours, interacting with colleagues, and ensuring a conducive work environment,” Dr. Shimakaa suggested.
Reflecting on the workshop, Mrs. Regina Odiba from the State Ministry of Finance shared that she found the session on work-related stress particularly helpful. “I’ve learned how stress has been affecting my work, and now I have tools to manage it better,” she said.
Engr. Barnabas Adzande from the Bureau of Special Projects and Infrastructure commented that the workshop gave him valuable insights. “This training addressed real challenges we face on the ground and has prepared me to meet those challenges head-on,” he remarked.
The workshop concluded with participants expressing their commitment to applying the knowledge and skills acquired to drive meaningful impacts within their respective institutions and the wider Benue community.
