Lagos Public Servants Get Active in New Health Games

Public servants across Lagos just proved that fighting disease can start with a game of tennis and a daily walk around the office.

The Lagos State Public Service Club wrapped up its 2026 mid-year games after two weeks of competition in 14 sports, from lawn tennis to scrabble. This year marked something different: Oakleaf Pharmaceuticals joined as the first healthcare partner, turning the annual tournament into a showcase for preventive health.

Members from club locations in Ikorodu, Epe, and Badagry competed while learning how small daily changes can prevent chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Oluseyi Adelaja, Oakleaf's Head of Marketing, said the partnership aimed to fight the sedentary lifestyle plaguing office workers across Nigeria.

"For a lot of us, we tend to sit behind the desk almost all through the day," Adelaja explained. He encouraged workers to set reminders every two hours to stand up and move, even if just walking around the office.

The timing matters. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, conditions that continue rising across Nigeria and globally.

Town Planner Adewale Adebayo, the club's Sports Secretary, said the pharmaceutical company "added glamour" to the event. Players collected vitamin samples between matches, blending competition with practical health education.

The Ripple Effect

The partnership model offers a blueprint for addressing workplace health across Nigeria's public sector. When healthcare companies support employee wellness programs, workers get easier access to preventive care while companies build healthier communities.

The Lagos State Public Service Club, founded to promote social interaction and welfare among civil servants, also welcomes public members. This year's games fulfilled a core founding mission: keeping public servants healthy and connected.

Winners took home medals and gifts, but the bigger prize may be the habits formed. Adelaja urged participants to maintain healthier eating by reducing fried foods and adding more fruits and vegetables to their diets.

Organizers say this year's success will encourage more partnerships and greater participation in future games, potentially expanding the preventive health model to other government agencies.

For thousands of Lagos workers, staying healthy just became a team sport.