Edo State Government through the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), has reiterated its commitment to building a resilient and effective workforce with a specialized training on Work-Life Balance for Civil and Public servants across the State.
Declaring the training open, the Director-General (DG) of JOOPSA, Dr. Gina Otamere, described work-life balance as a critical life skill that enables workers to remain effective in offices and in their personal lives, explaining that the training was designed not only to build technical knowledge, but also to impart human skills that help Public Servants adjust, adapt and thrive in today’s demanding work environment.
“There is a need to balance your time, work needs, family responsibilities, and personal wellbeing in order to achieve productivity”. She said.
Dr. Otamere who appreciated the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for his unwavering commitment to effective capacity development programmes and for creating an environment where Public Servants can acquire practical skills that make them more productive, acknowledged the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa Esq., for his support and dedication to the welfare and growth of the State’s workforce.
The first Facilitator, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ofovwe (Rtd.), spoke on ethics and priorities in the workplace, explaining behaviours that constitute unethical conduct, while cautioning against competing with one’s organization.
“When character is lost, everything is lost, while focusing on your work, create time to rest”. Dr. Ofovwe advised.
The second Facilitator, Prof. Evelyn Umemezia, explained the deeper meaning of work-life balance, emphasizing that balance is about harmony, not perfect equality.
She further highlighted the benefits of creating a balance to health, productivity, and relationships, observing that bureaucratic delays often cause stress for staff and the public, while urging leaders to create work environments that reduce pressure and help employees function without breaking down.
Prof. Umemezia encouraged participants to embrace self-care practices such as proper rest, healthy eating, regular exercise and effective use of annual leave, reminding them that wellness is not a luxury, but a necessity for better and effective service delivery.
She explained that time management plus prioritization equals working smarter, not harder and that self-awareness helps notice stress early and guides better choices in managing time and energy, concluding that a balanced worker equals a better Public Service.
Participants were exposed to lessons including Work Smarter, not Harder; Reduce Last-minute Stress; Create Time for Personal Life After Work; and Apply the Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule), which emphasizes focusing on the most important tasks that yield the greatest results.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs. Ehioghiren Kate appreciated the State Governor, the DG of JOOPSA and the facilitators for their commitment, insights and time dedicated to improving the lives and work culture of Edo State Public Servants.
The training reflects the Edo State Government’s resolve to invest in the wellbeing of its workforce, ensuring that Civil and Public servants remain not only productive but also balanced, ethical and healthier in the delivery of services to the people.
Ebuanekpe Joy
Public Relations Officer
JOOPSA
PHOTO CAPTION
6th Left (Front Row): the Director-General, John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy, Dr. Gina Otamere flanked by Facilitators and participants during the training on Work-Life Balance for Civil and Public servants across the State, held in Benin City.
