The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) has introduced a mental health training program to enhance staff productivity, equipping leaders and administrators with tools to improve their well-being and effectiveness.
The training, held at the NIHORT premises, focused on building capacity for staff at level 13 and above, including Assistant Directors and other management members.
Dr. Oluyemisi Adelani, the program coordinator, noted that this training was developed following a skill gap analysis, revealing a strong need for training in social, administrative, financial, and emotional development.
“With the support of our Executive Director, Professor Mahammad Lawal Attanda, we organized this training. By empowering staff, they can better relate with colleagues, manage superiors effectively, and perform optimally,” Adelani noted. The training aligns with World Health Organization recommendations.
Dr. Modupe David, NIHORT’s Head of Administration, highlighted the broader impact of the program, emphasizing that it would benefit not only workplace performance but also family and social interactions.
“We aim to help our staff become better individuals, enhancing their societal impact and contributing significantly to agricultural development in Nigeria, ultimately supporting national food sufficiency,” she explained.
Facilitators from University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Mrs. Shade Olatunji and Dr. Toyin Aniagwu, guided staff through the essentials of maintaining mental health, reinforcing NIHORT’s commitment to a healthier, more productive workforce.