
The Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPHY), Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, has reaffirmed the hospital’s unwavering commitment to staff welfare and professional development, describing employee motivation as a driving force behind institutional excellence.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Structural Training Programme for Senior Staff Promotion, themed “Staff Welfare: A Shared Responsibility Between the Union and Management,” Dr. Owoeye said that capacity-building and timely promotion are critical to morale and productivity.
Now in its ninth consecutive year, the training is part of FNPHY’s broader strategy to prepare staff for career advancement and maintain a highly motivated workforce.
“This training is a deliberate effort to support our staff. When workers are promoted as and when due, they feel recognized and valued. At FNPHY Yaba, we place a premium on staff welfare,” Dr. Owoeye stated.
He urged other public institutions to emulate FNPHY’s example, noting that investing in employee wellbeing is essential to retain top-tier medical professionals in Nigeria.
Highlighting some of the key staff welfare achievements under his leadership, Dr. Owoeye listed:
Conversion of over 250 contract and ad-hoc staff to permanent employment
Establishment of new directorate roles across various departments
Implementation of the consultant cadre for pharmacists in line with federal directives
Regular structural training programs to enhance capacity for promotion
Sustained engagement with staff unions to ensure industrial harmony
“Unionism is about welfarism. When staff welfare is a priority, there is peace and progress in the system,” he added.
Representing the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Gbenga Ekundayo, Mr. Kehinde Adegoke commended the hospital for fostering a collaborative approach between management and union leadership.
“To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail. I’m pleased to see this training reflect a joint commitment to staff success,” Adegoke said.
In his remarks, Mr. Chris Ugwu, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), FNPHY Chapter, addressed recent reports suggesting internal disputes. He clarified that the controversy arose from the MD’s implementation of a federal circular granting consultant status to pharmacists — a move already adopted by other institutions, including the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).
“FNPHY remains a federal institution governed by federal regulations. Attempts to politicize this development are unfounded,” Ugwu stated.
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Also speaking, Comrade Omoniyi Olalekan, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association at FNPHY Yaba, applauded Dr. Owoeye’s inclusive leadership style and reaffirmed the support of JOHESU in promoting staff development and maintaining workplace harmony.
The event reinforced FNPHY’s broader commitment to continuous professional development, industrial peace, and institutional excellence.