By Goodluck Ikiebe
The Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria rolls out its drum on Thursday to celebrate first National Day, after 9 years of existence by Act of Parliament.
In a welcome address, the National President, Mr Kaizer Ebiwari, who was highly elated, said the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has trained over 300,000 workers in different areas of work place on health, safety and environmental management.
According to Ebiwari, “the achievements the body have recorded in 40 years did not come without a fair share of challenges, rather it has devised ways of gradually resolving these barrages”.
“As Nigeria’s largest safety professional body for individuals involved in occupational health and safety practices, it has ensured the continuous practice of safety management with different stakeholders coming to play, and also assessing risk-based approaches to work place hazard management”, Ebiwari noted.
The National President stated that this also requires collaboration with relevant agencies of government, setting standards and also determining knowledge and skills level, to regulate the practice of safety management in Nigeria.
He said: ” As we go through the unification of ISPON, there are about 200 million people, who must feel the impact of this law, government policies, which is based on assessment of the risk-based approaches to work place hazard management”.
”Everyone in this room and those at home must ace their game, in order to add value to life through deliberate accident prevention strategies, trans-industry integration of health and safety, and a sustainable human environment,” he added.
The Chairman and Special Guest on the occasion, Engr. Rabiu Suleiman, described the event as a huge milestone, and also noted that the organization has gained recognition by the law, which has provided the environment, and people a good quality of life.
”It is a big celebration that is it has been recognised by the law, although we are not doctors, but our job is occupational, and this demands that our workers should not be wounded”.
”We must ensure that all levels safety standard measures are taken into proper consideration and also demonstrate the act of safety as worthy ambassadors everywhere we find ourselves” he cautioned.
However, in a goodwill message, the Director General, National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the safety manager of the agency, Mrs Afiniki Audu, lauded the tireless contributions of the Institute in ensuring safety measures are provided for members of different industrial organizations.
She said: ”We are looking forward to work with ISPON on areas of training. Government is looking at safety at all industry, so that workers can carry on with their work without hazard”.
Other goodwill messages received from the Head of Service of the Federation, the Chief of Air Staff ably represented by AVM Oladele Yusuf, Captains of Industries and professional Non Governmental Organizations, pledged their support to the growth and goals of the Institute in order to ensure a safety environment in work places and other areas of human endeavours.
The lecture centred on the main theme, “ISPON Act 2014; The Past, Present and Future of Safety and Health Practice, Collaboration and Sustainability in Nigeria”, was delivered by Mr Fregene Shaw.
The high point of the occasion was the presentation of awards to some individuals, Professional bodies and Non Governmental Organizations, in recognition of their outstanding contributions safety management and humanity.
Our Correspondent reports that the event was rounded off with a Gala night, while the Nigeria Air Force Band entertained guests with scintillating Musical band performances.
