"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. Now in its ninth year, this annual program has become a cornerstone of FNPHY’s commitment to professional development, morale-building, and overall organizational stability.
Leadership Initiatives for Staff Well-being
Dr. Owoeye outlined several key initiatives implemented under his leadership to enhance staff welfare:
- Conversion of Staff: Over 250 ad-hoc and contract staff have been converted to full-time roles, providing job security and stability.
- New Directorate Positions: New leadership roles have been established across various departments, creating avenues for career progression.
- Pharmacist Consultancy Cadre: The full implementation of the Pharmacist Consultancy Cadre, in line with federal policy, ensures that pharmacists receive appropriate recognition and career advancement opportunities.
- Regular Promotions and Appreciation: The hospital conducts regular promotion exercises and hosts end-of-year appreciation events to acknowledge staff contributions.
- Financial Support: Financial assistance is provided to staff facing critical situations, demonstrating a tangible commitment to their well-being.
Dr. Owoeye explained that the hospital's progress is guided by his 3-P Framework: People, Policy, and Process, with people being the paramount priority. “We have designed people-oriented policies that are inclusive, fair, and transparent. Our staff are our greatest asset,” he noted.
A Call for Broader Support and Shared Responsibility
Beyond FNPHY, Dr. Owoeye urged other public institutions to prioritize and support the nation's remaining healthcare professionals. “We must give them a sense of belonging. Their decision to stay and serve deserves more than lip service,” he emphasized.
He stressed that staff welfare is a shared responsibility between management and unions. “When both sides work ethically and constructively, welfare becomes not only sustainable but transformative.”
Union Perspectives and Program Impact
Mr. Gbenga Ekundayo, Lagos State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), represented by Mr. Kehinde Adegoke, highlighted the importance of preparation for career advancement, stating, “To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail. I am pleased to see this partnership between management and the union.”
Mr. Chris Ugwu, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), FNPHY chapter, commended the hospital's consistency and addressed the implementation of the pharmacist consultant cadre, affirming, “FNPHY is simply implementing a federal circular. Institutions like NIMR and UCH have done the same. Pharmacy consultancy has come to stay.”
Comrade Omoniyi Olalekan, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association at FNPHY, credited Dr. Owoeye for reviving the training program in 2022 after it faced funding shortfalls. “When deductions made it difficult to raise funds, the Medical Director stepped in personally. Since then, he has ensured the programme’s continuity,” he said. Olalekan also noted progress in departments like pharmacy, rheumatology, and medical laboratory science, while advocating for similar recognition in nursing and administration. “This training is not just exam prep—it’s a welfare initiative. Staff feel fulfilled when promoted based on merit,” he added.
The two-day program is continuing with sessions designed to equip senior staff with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in their upcoming promotion examinations.