By Abel Zwànke, Lafia
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, Dr. Ikrama Hassan, has urged citizens to incorporate regular physical exercise into their daily routines to reduce the risks of sudden death and non-communicable diseases.
Speaking during the finals of a football competition organized for hospital staff, Dr. Hassan emphasized the importance of fitness for both physical and mental health. The tournament, held as part of a week-long sporting event, was designed to promote wellness among hospital employees.
Highlighting the benefits of exercise, Dr. Hassan stated, “Engaging in physical activities reduces the risks of sudden death and conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Exercise also promotes relaxation, camaraderie, and mental well-being. Health is wealth, and physical fitness is essential for overall health improvement.”
Dr. Hassan explained that the initiative was prompted by growing concerns over cases of sudden death in the general population, often linked to physical inactivity.
“This is the first competition of its kind at the hospital. We decided to start internally by promoting fitness among our staff. We are committed to making this a continuous tradition, with plans to introduce other sports like basketball and lawn tennis in the future,” he said.
The football competition culminated with the Management Team securing a 2-1 victory over the Department of Nurses in a closely contested final.
An awards ceremony followed the match, where outstanding staff members were recognized for their dedication. Dr. Hassan used the occasion to encourage other organizations in Nasarawa State to adopt similar initiatives.
“Organizations should create platforms for their staff to engage in sports and fitness activities. It not only improves physical and mental health but also builds team spirit and fosters a more harmonious workplace. We are already planning to collaborate with other organizations for inter-organizational competitions,” he added.
The event was widely praised for its inclusivity, as all participants were hospital staff. The CMD assured that such initiatives were sustainable and would require minimal resources.
The week-long activities concluded on a high note, with participants expressing enthusiasm for future competitions aimed at promoting health and unity within and beyond the hospital community.
