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NP Sierra Leone, has continued to demonstrate its commitment to employee health, safety and wellbeing through its monthly health walk, an initiative designed to encourage physical fitness, promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen workplace productivity.

The latest exercise, held on Saturday, 10 October 2026, brought together employees from different departments of the company for a fitness walk from Lumley to the Aberdeen Beach Roundabout and back. The activity formed part of Management’s ongoing efforts to create a healthier and more productive workforce while strengthening relationships among employees.

Beyond the physical exercise, participants benefited from an educational session covering general health and wellness, disease prevention, mental wellbeing, proper nutrition and occupational safety.

Addressing the employees on the topic, “General Health and Wellness,” Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh emphasized the importance of maintaining good health both at work and at home. He explained that employees could only perform their responsibilities effectively when they are physically and mentally healthy.

According to him, irrespective of their departments or responsibilities, every employee has a personal obligation to protect their health and ensure they return safely to their families after each working day.

Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh encouraged staff to adopt healthy eating habits by consuming balanced meals containing fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains while reducing their intake of highly processed foods. He cautioned against regularly skipping meals, explaining that proper nutrition plays an important role in maintaining energy, preventing illness and improving overall wellbeing.

He also stressed the need for adequate hydration, particularly among employees whose duties involve outdoor activities or physically demanding work. He advised staff to drink sufficient safe water throughout the day and ensure they get enough rest.

On the importance of sleep, he recommended between seven and nine hours of rest each night whenever possible, warning that consistently sacrificing sleep to meet professional commitments could negatively affect health, concentration and productivity.

Turning to workplace safety, Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh drew attention to the risks associated with operations in the petroleum industry, including fire outbreaks, explosions, fuel leaks and other occupational hazards.

He reminded employees that maintaining a safe working environment requires the collective responsibility of Management and Staff. He therefore urged workers to comply with established safety procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment and promptly report damaged equipment, fuel spills, leakages and other unsafe conditions.

He further encouraged employees to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures and remain vigilant while performing their duties, noting that strict adherence to safety standards could prevent accidents and protect lives.

Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh also highlighted the dangers associated with prolonged sitting and physical inactivity, particularly among office-based employees. He advised them to take regular breaks, move around during working hours and participate in activities such as walking, cycling, dancing and sporting exercises.

He explained that regular physical activity helps improve fitness, strengthen muscles, reduce stress and promote better sleep. Drivers and operational staff were equally encouraged to observe safety regulations and use approved equipment while carrying out their assignments.

Addressing mental health, Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh acknowledged that employees often face pressures arising from demanding work schedules, financial responsibilities and family challenges. He warned that prolonged and unmanaged stress could affect concentration, sleeping patterns, personal relationships and professional performance.

He encouraged employees to organize their responsibilities properly, prioritize important tasks, take necessary breaks and maintain supportive relationships with colleagues, friends and family members.

He further advised workers experiencing serious emotional difficulties to seek assistance from supervisors or qualified professionals rather than allowing their problems to worsen.

Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh called on employees to show compassion and understanding towards colleagues experiencing mental health challenges, stressing that such individuals deserve support and respect rather than discrimination or stigmatization.

On preventive healthcare, he encouraged staff to undergo regular medical examinations instead of waiting until they become seriously ill before seeking treatment.

He particularly emphasized the importance of monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, alongside routine eye and dental examinations. He also cautioned against excessive alcohol consumption and the misuse of harmful substances.

Speaking in an interview during the exercise, NP Sierra Leone Operations Manager, Vandi Bockarie, expressed satisfaction with the positive impact of the monthly health walk on employees.

He disclosed that Management had observed a reduction in hospital visits among staff since the introduction of the initiative, a development he attributed to the healthier habits being encouraged through regular exercise and health education.

According to Vandi Bockarie, the initiative demonstrates Management’s determination to promote physical fitness, reduce workplace stress and ensure employees remain healthy enough to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

Drawing a comparison between the human body and a motor vehicle, he explained that just as vehicles require regular servicing and maintenance to function properly, the human body also needs consistent physical activity and proper care to remain healthy and efficient.

He maintained that regular exercise is an important investment in personal health, adding that employees who take care of themselves are better positioned to meet their professional obligations and fulfil their family responsibilities.

Vandi Bockarie further explained that the monthly health walk goes beyond physical fitness, as it creates an opportunity for employees from different departments to interact freely, exchange experiences and strengthen working relationships outside their normal office environment.

He said such interactions help promote teamwork, mutual understanding and cooperation among staff, contributing to a more supportive and productive workplace.

The Operations Manager disclosed that the company regularly communicates information about the exercise through its internal communication channels and encourages employees to participate, except where genuine health concerns or other unavoidable circumstances prevent them from doing so.

He expressed his desire for the exercise to be organized twice monthly instead of once, explaining that more frequent participation would help employees develop lasting fitness habits and further strengthen the culture of healthy living within the company.

Vandi Bockarie reaffirmed Management’s commitment to sustaining the initiative, stressing that employee wellbeing remains an important consideration in the company’s efforts to maintain operational efficiency and improve service delivery.

He noted that a healthy workforce is essential to the continued growth and effective performance of any organisation, particularly one operating in a demanding sector such as petroleum marketing and distribution.

The monthly health walk has become an important part of NP Sierra Leone’s employee wellbeing activities, providing staff with opportunities to improve their physical fitness while gaining practical knowledge about disease prevention, mental health, nutrition and workplace safety.

Through the continued implementation of the initiative, NP Sierra Leone is reinforcing the importance of personal responsibility for health, teamwork and occupational safety, while demonstrating its commitment to building a healthier, more motivated and productive workforce.