THE Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has advised the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, to take a cue from Lagos State government and establish Akwa Ibom State Safety Commission.
Its state Branch Chairman, George I. Akalonu, gave the advice during the institute’s induction, merit awards and fund raiser.
He said since the body is chartered with statutory responsibility to control the loss of lives, properties and damage to the environment as a result of mishaps, the state government would be doing the citizens great good by establishing the commission.
At the event, which took place in Uyo, the state capital, special awards were conferred on individuals who contributed to safety in their organisations.
According to Akalonu, the call became necessary to accommodate the safety needs of the various manufacturing, construction, oil and gas and agro-allied industries in the state and to prepare a safe environment for the numerous other industries that will be established as a result of the governor’s industrialisation drive.
The chairman said the call for the establishment of the commission was borne out of the need to have men and women with a vision to save lives and properties; protect the environment; spot hazards and disallow them from harming the people and make the people prosperous through accidents prevention and hazards control.
“That is the vision of ‘ zero harm’ which is the summary of what our work entails,” he said.
Akalonu said the safety commission would help to provide oversight functions on government projects and others that require ‘eagle eyes’, knowledge and skill of a safety professional.
“It is working in Lagos and, therefore, will equally work here if properly replicated and resourced with the right calibre of Safety Professionals with ISPON guidance,” he insisted.
If established, it will help to create employment for the youths, develop and empower people that are unemployed while at the same time serve as as a source of revenue for the state and the nation in general, he added.
Its National Chairman, Dr. Nnamdi Ilodiuba said ISPON, is registered nationally and internationally to practice occupational safety management, adding that it has strategic partnership with other regional and international bodies that are in the same line of service in Europe and the Americas.
He said: “The economic realities of today demand that all hands must be on deck to control loss of lives, properties and damage to the environment resulting from mishaps.
“Our mission is thus informed from the need to develop, promote and encourage safety knowledge and technical know-how, enforce standards and ethics in the practice of safety in Nigeria.”
He said membership of the Institute entails has primary duties to serve and protect people, property and environment.
Prominent among those honoured with special awards were Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Joshua Okpo, Director of Consultancy, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna, ExxonMobil among others.
A total of 13 individuals and eight companies were given awards while five members were upgraded and 41 others inducted.