LAGOS — Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, has said staff welfare must remain a top priority if Nigeria wants to keep its health workers. Speaking at the 9th Structural Training Programme for Senior Staff Promotion 2025, he stressed that proper recognition and regular promotion play a vital role in motivating employees and ensuring institutional growth.
He described the training programme, now in its ninth year, as part of the hospital’s long-term commitment to building staff capacity, boosting morale, and maintaining excellence. According to him, when workers feel valued, they are more likely to stay committed.
Under his leadership, the hospital has promoted several initiatives to improve staff welfare. These include converting over 250 ad-hoc and contract workers to full-time roles, creating new directorate positions, implementing the Pharmacist Consultancy Cadre in line with federal guidelines, holding regular promotion exercises, organizing end-of-year appreciation events, and providing financial aid for staff in critical situations.
He explained that these efforts are driven by his “3-P Framework” focused on People, Policy, and Process, with people placed first. “We have developed inclusive, fair, and transparent policies,” he said. “Our staff remain our greatest asset.”
Dr. Owoeye urged other public institutions to invest in the health workforce, noting that those who choose to stay and serve in Nigeria deserve more than just words of appreciation. “Welfare is not a one-sided affair. Both unions and management must work ethically and constructively for real progress,” he said.
Mr. Kehinde Adegoke of LUTH, who represented the Lagos State TUC Chairman, echoed the importance of planning and collaboration. Mr. Chris Ugwu, Chairman of the hospital’s NUAHP chapter, addressed the ongoing debate on the Pharmacist Consultant Cadre. He clarified that the hospital is simply following a federal directive, as other top institutions like NIMR and UCH have also done.
Comrade Omoniyi Olalekan, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association at FNPHY, thanked Dr. Owoeye for reviving the training programme in 2022 after a funding shortfall. According to him, the Medical Director stepped in personally to ensure the programme didn’t collapse. He pointed out gains in departments like pharmacy, rheumatology, and laboratory science but appealed for more attention to nursing and administration.
He described the training not just as preparation for exams but as a welfare tool that gives staff a sense of purpose. The two-day programme continues with sessions designed to help senior staff succeed in their promotion assessments.
