Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has been commended for prioritising occupational safety in the state.
The National President, Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Engr. Timothy Iwuagwu stated this during the 2025 Safety Conference and Induction of New Members on Friday, 27th June, 2025 in Uyo.
Engr. Iwuagwu further praised the governor for establishing the Occupational Safety Department to promote a healthy and safe environment and the employment of about 100 safety professionals in the state.
He further lauded the governor for appointing a Special Adviser on Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), describing him as “Nigeria’s most safety-conscious governor.”
While inducting the new members into the institute, the National President urged the inductees to uphold ethical standards and leverage their expertise to improve workplace safety as ambassadors of the body.
The conference held on the them, “Strategic Stakeholders Collaboration for Effective Safety Management, Practice, Compliance, and Enforcement,” emphasised: strengthening risk management and regulatory enforcement as well as promoting sustainable development through safety best practices.
Mr. Ita Benson, ISPON Akwa Ibom Coordinator, stated that the collaborative approach emphasized in the conference will enhance a “safer environment for all, reduce risks and ensure that safety regulations are effectively implemented and adhered to.”
He congratulated the inductees and urged them to validate “your skills and knowledge in HSE management and practice to make a positive impact in your respective organisations.”
Mr. Benson reiterated the importance of continuous learning, professional development and the pursuit of excellence in safety management in line with their mandate adding that the institute is dedicated to promoting global best practices training and certification of safety practitioners and subsequent professionals, regulatory compliance and enforcement of the law establishing the institute.
In a Keynote, Engr. Anthony Akadi (Regional Manager, Juuldaam Engineering & HSE Systems Limited) stressed the need for training, workplace safety policies and monitoring mechanisms to reduce workplace fatalities.
Barr. Augustine Udoh, Chairman of the ~Nigerian~ Bar Association (Akwa Ibom Branch), highlighted ISPON’s role in setting safety standards and collaborating with government agencies and private organisations to enhance professional training.
He added that the institute works in collaboration with relevant government agencies to set “standards of practice and determining the knowledge and skills to be acquired by persons in various corporate establishments.
Good will messages were delivered by various stakeholders including the office of the Senior Special Adviser to the Government of Akwa Ibom State on Health, Safety and Environment; Ministry of Transport, Akwa Ibom State; office of the Director of Projects, Ibom Deep Seaport Implementation Committee; Apex Chapel, NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council among others.
The event featured the presentation of membership and fellowship certificates to new inductees.
The induction underscores Akwa Ibom’s growing commitment to safety excellence, aligning with ISPON’s mission to advance global best practices in occupational health and safety.
