Civil servants across Kogi State took to the streets of Lokoja on Monday as the state marked activities for the 2026 Civil Service Week with a health walk aimed at promoting physical fitness, well-being and teamwork among government workers.

The exercise was led by the Kogi State Head of Service, Hajiya Falilat Yusuf Musa, Esq., who urged civil servants to pay attention to their health while carrying out their responsibilities to the state.

The health walk began at the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SGS) and ended at Ganaja Junction, with participants marching together in high spirits and the Head of Service leading the procession.

‘A Healthy Civil Servant Is a Productive Civil Servant’

Addressing participants, Musa emphasised the connection between workers' well-being and effective public service delivery.

“A healthy civil servant is a productive civil servant.”

She noted that workers who are physically and mentally fit are better positioned to provide quality services to residents of Kogi State.

According to her, the health walk was also a reminder that maintaining the well-being of the workforce requires collective responsibility and participation.

Civil Service Week Promotes Digital Transformation

The Head of Service commended the strong turnout and enthusiasm displayed by participants, describing the Civil Service Week as an opportunity not only to celebrate government workers but also to renew their commitment to public service.

This year's celebration is being held under the theme “Digital Transformation, a Panacea for Better Civil Service Delivery.”

Musa said a civil service that prioritises the welfare of its personnel is better equipped to meet the demands of modern public administration.

She added that activities such as the health walk can help workers develop physical stamina, mental focus and stronger bonds with colleagues.

Civil Servants Set for Opening Ceremony

Musa also urged civil servants across the state to attend the official opening ceremony and lectures scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja.

She encouraged workers to participate fully in the lectures and other activities lined up for the week.

The health walk attracted participants from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across Kogi State.

Many contingents appeared in customised T-shirts and caps while carrying banners highlighting the Civil Service Week theme and various government projects and initiatives.

Ministries, Agencies Join Health Walk

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry was among the government institutions represented at the event.

The ministry's contingent was led by its Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Musa-Amana Sualihat, with participants carrying messages encouraging business owners to register their business premises.

Other contingents also used the occasion to highlight government initiatives in areas including infrastructure, youth and sports development, and the Kogi State International Airport.

As the exercise came to an end at Ganaja Junction, participants departed with renewed energy and enthusiasm, while organisers expressed optimism that the spirit of unity and camaraderie displayed during the walk would continue throughout the Civil Service Week.

The activities are expected to provide opportunities for civil servants to reflect on their role in public administration while strengthening collaboration across the state's workforce.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia