NILDS DG Urges Staff to Sustain Participation in Quarterly Sporting Activities

The Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman has called on staff of the Institute to sustain their participation in quarterly sporting activities, describing the initiative as an important platform for promoting healthy living, strengthening workplace relationships, and enhancing staff well-being.

Prof. Sulaiman made the call on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during the third and final edition of the Institute’s sporting activities for the year, held at the NILDS Permanent Site, Abuja

The Director-General expressed satisfaction with the increased participation, noting that the turnout was significantly higher than in previous editions. He disclosed that his personal assessment indicated that nearly 200 participants were present, describing the development as an encouraging sign of growing interest in the initiative.

He recalled that the programme was introduced on May 1, 2026, to commemorate Workers’ Day and provide an avenue for staff to interact, relax, engage in physical exercise and strengthen bonds across departments and levels of the Institute.

According to him, sporting activities extend beyond physical exercise, serving as a platform for reducing stress, improving interpersonal relationships, and creating opportunities for staff to interact with management in a relaxed atmosphere.

Prof. Sulaiman explained that such informal engagements enable staff to discuss work-related concerns and pending issues with relevant officials, thereby promoting communication, accessibility and a stronger sense of belonging within the Institute.

He emphasised the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining good health, noting that simple exercises, walking, and other forms of physical movement could contribute to overall well-being.

The Director-General stressed that the quarterly programme was designed to encourage staff to adopt regular exercise as a lifestyle rather than limit physical activity to the Institute’s organised sessions. He urged staff to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines at home and in the workplace.

While acknowledging the importance of providing adequate sporting facilities, Prof. Sulaiman appealed to staff to support the Institute’s efforts by contributing sporting equipment and other relevant resources to improve the facilities available for future activities.

He noted that although the Institute would continue to provide the necessary support within available resources, voluntary contributions from staff would further strengthen the programme and promote a shared sense of responsibility for staff welfare.

The Director-General also encouraged staff who were absent to participate in subsequent editions, emphasising that the benefits of the initiative extended beyond exercise to include teamwork, mutual understanding, and improved working relationships.

He reaffirmed management’s commitment to sustaining the initiative and maintaining the momentum generated by the increased participation, assuring staff that the Institute would continue to explore ways of improving their welfare and creating a more conducive working environment.

Prof. Sulaiman expressed appreciation to all participants and urged them to remain committed to the programme, describing the quarterly sporting activities as a valuable initiative that promotes individual well-being and institutional cohesion.