Niger/Kogi Command rallies officers on diabetes prevention and emergency fire response
The Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has underscored its commitment to officer welfare and operational readiness through a comprehensive health and safety initiative held in Minna. Under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller S. Nwankwegu, the Command hosted a dual-focused event centered on diabetes awareness and fire safety preparedness. Held at the Command Conference Room, the initiative forms part of an ongoing strategy to foster a healthier, safer, and more resilient workforce through proactive education and continuous learning.
Delivering the diabetes awareness lecture, the Medical Officer of the Command Clinic, Assistant Comptroller of Customs L. Alfred, detailed the critical aspects of managing and preventing the disease. The session educated personnel on early warning signs, risk factors, potential long-term complications, and key preventive measures. Officers were urged to take personal responsibility for their well-being by prioritizing regular medical check-ups, adopting balanced dietary habits, staying physically active, and maintaining healthy weight management routines to mitigate severe health risks.
Addressing workplace and domestic hazards, Assistant Comptroller of Fire H. Zakariya facilitated an extensive safety lecture on fire prevention and emergency response. Officers were sensitized on identifying potential electrical risks, safely handling combustible materials, utilizing firefighting equipment, and executing prompt evacuation procedures. The presentation reinforced strict adherence to safety protocols across all Command offices, residential quarters, and operational facilities, emphasizing that constant vigilance is key to protecting lives and government assets.
The proactive initiative reflects the leadership vision of Deputy Comptroller S. Nwankwegu, who views officer welfare as a fundamental pillar of administrative efficiency and operational success. By driving preventive health strategies and robust safety practices, the Acting Controller continues to promote a organizational culture grounded in discipline, emergency preparedness, and shared responsibility across the entire Command.
Following the sessions, officers were challenged to translate the theoretical insights into everyday action within their professional and personal lives. The Command highlighted that maintaining personal health and safeguarding public property are collective duties that directly enhance effective service delivery. Personnel were particularly encouraged to adopt early medical intervention practices and maintain heightened environmental awareness to prevent avoidable hazards.
Expressing appreciation to the resource persons for their expertise, the Niger/Kogi Area Command reiterated its determination to sustain health and safety programs. Leadership affirmed that continuous capacity-building efforts remain central to cultivating a secure, productive, and highly efficient working environment for all officers and men of the Service.
