Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPHY), Yaba, has reaffirmed the hospital’s unwavering commitment to staff welfare and motivation, stating that employee development remains a cornerstone of his administration.
Dr. Owoeye made the statement on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Structural Training Program for Senior Staff Promotion, themed: “Staff Welfare: A Shared Responsibility Between the Union and Management.”
Now in its ninth consecutive year, the training programme is part of the hospital’s proactive strategy to equip staff for career progression and strengthen morale across the institution.
“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,” said Owoeye.
He called on other public institutions to support Nigeria’s dedicated medical professionals, warning that retaining top talent requires deliberate action and investment in staff wellbeing.
Owoeye outlined several key staff welfare achievements under his leadership, including:
“Conversion of over 250 contract and ad-hoc staff to full-time roles
“Creation of new directorate positions across hospital departments.
“Implementation of the consultant cadre for pharmacists, in compliance with federal directives.
“Regular structural training programmes to build capacity and readiness for promotion.
“Sustained open dialogue with staff unions to foster industrial harmony.
“Unionism is about welfarism. When staff welfare is a priority, there is peace and progress in the system,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Gbenga Ekundayo, State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), represented by Mr. Kehinde Adegoke, praised the hospital for aligning both union and management efforts in staff development.
“To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail. I’m pleased to see this training reflect a joint commitment to staff success,” Adegoke noted.
Mr. Chris Ugwu, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), FNPHY Chapter, dismissed recent media reports of a leadership crisis in the hospital.
He clarified that the controversy stemmed from the MD’s decision to implement the federal circular granting pharmacists consultant status, a move in line with practices in other federal health institutions like NIMR.
“FNPHY remains a federal institution governed by federal regulations. Attempts to politicize this development are unfounded,” he said.
Meanwhile, Comrade Omoniyi Olalekan, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association, FNPHY Yaba, commended Dr. Owoeye’s inclusive and people-oriented leadership.
Olalekan reaffirmed JOHESU’s support in maintaining industrial peace and a focus on staff development.
The event underscores FNPHY’s broader commitment to continuous professional development, institutional excellence, and workforce empowerment.
