The National Library of Nigeria on Wednesday, 10th September 2025, organized a sensitization session on wellness and preventive health care for all its staff. 

The session, tagged Health Talk for Staff, took place at the organization’s headquarters in Abuja, with participation from state branches via Zoom.

In her opening remarks, the National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, underscored the importance of regular medical check-up, citing the loss of about five staff members within the past one year as a major concern which necessitated the introduction of the health talk, which shall hold periodically. Prof. Anunobi emphasized that many health challenges worsen due to failure to seek preventive and early medical attention.

“This health talk is designed to remind us to take our health seriously, watch what we eat and drink, and adopt healthier lifestyles,” she said. 

Professor Anunobi further advised staff to prioritize home-cooked meals over fast food, adding that proper planning makes healthy living achievable.

In his presentation, the guest speaker, Dr. Mohammed Kabiru Abdullahi, a family medical practitioner from the State House Clinic, Abuja, spoke on topics covering hypertension, diabetes, stress management, and healthy dietary practices including portion control and food choices, as well as maintaining a positive sleep hygiene. Dr. Kabiru also encouraged women to undergo annual pap smears and monthly breast self-examinations.

Dr. Kabir concluded his lecture by informing attendees that “hypertension can affect the body from head to toe, while diabetes is a jealous lover that requires careful management,” and further advised regular medical check-ups for all age groups, describing them as an investment in wellness, and recommended regular exercise with daily walking targets of 10,000 steps. He finally concluded by stressing the need for basic CPR knowledge and keeping aspirin at home.

Responding to the National Librarian’s address, Mr. Hussaini Hambagda, Director of CDTS, noted that “health is life” and urged staff to pay close attention to the session. Similarly, Mr. Bashir Salau, Director of Virtual Library Department, described health as “the first wealth” and encouraged staff to engage actively. Mr. Orvell Dio, Assistant Director and Head of Information and Public Relations, reminded staff of the organization’s functional clinic managed by Mrs. Grace.

Another health expert, Dr. Tosin Ifionu, a specialist in Human Anatomy and Physiotherapy who also addressed the gathering warned that hypertension increasingly affects young people and stressed the role of diet and lifestyle in its management, and announced that a free medical check-up would be conducted for staff after the session.

Others present during the session includes Mrs. Ngozi Odogwu, Director of PRSD; Mr. Kehinde Joseph Ojo, Director of PSD; Mr. Emmanuel Okoro, Director of HR & Admin;

In her vote of thanks, Mrs. Chinwe Enekai, Special Adviser on Special Duties, expressed gratitude to the National Librarian for her commitment to staff welfare.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which staff members received clarifications on health-related issues and practical steps to safeguard their well-being.