From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
In an effort to improve the healthcare and wellbeing of federal civil servants, the Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, has launched a free eye screening programme for civil servants across the country.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, flagged off the programme at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja recently, noting that a healthy workforce remains the foundation of an effective, responsive, and result-driven public service.
According to her, “It gives me great pleasure to be with you at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for this important outreach programme organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in collaboration with the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation.
“On behalf of the Federal Civil Service, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to initiatives that strengthen the welfare, morale, and productivity of federal civil servants. We will continue to collaborate with credible partners such as the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, whose interventions contribute to building a healthier, more resilient, and high-performing public service.”
She encouraged civil servants across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to take full advantage of the programme and invest in their health.
Walson-Jack disclosed that more than 2,329 officers benefited from professional eye screening, diagnosis, and treatment during the programme last year.
She added that the initiative, which has been extended across ministries, departments, and agencies, aligns with the objectives of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25), particularly its emphasis on staff welfare and occupational health.
“It reflects our shared commitment to preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and timely treatment for officers across the service.
“I therefore encourage all staff to take full advantage of this opportunity. Let us not regard this exercise as routine, but rather as an important investment in our health and our continued capacity to serve the nation effectively,” she said.
Walson-Jack stressed that good eyesight is fundamental to productivity, efficiency, and overall wellbeing in the workplace.
Earlier in her remarks, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said healthy vision is critical to effective service delivery.
She noted that in daily activities such as drafting policies, reviewing documents, conducting inspections, and engaging stakeholders, clear sight is essential.
She also observed that early detection of eye-related conditions could prevent avoidable impairment, reduce long-term medical costs, and improve overall wellbeing.
The minister added that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places strong emphasis on human capital development, social investment, and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
“Mr President has consistently stressed that a productive nation must be built on a healthier workforce. Today’s event is a practical demonstration of that vision in action,” Onyejeocha said.
She urged staff of the ministry to take advantage of the screening, noting that the programme would not only safeguard their health but also strengthen institutional efficiency and national productivity.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, Mr Shravan Kumar Kasam, assured that the foundation would continue to partner with the Federal Government through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to provide free eye screening for civil servants nationwide.
According to him, the foundation has adequate facilities to carry out the screening exercise, adding that thousands of civil servants benefited from the programme last year.