IMO: THE RECTOR FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE DECORATED AS OSHAssociation GRAND PATRON, PLEDGES TO ENFORCE QHSE IN CURRICULAR

IMO: THE RECTOR FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE DECORATED AS OSHAssociation GRAND PATRON, PLEDGES TO ENFORCE QHSE IN CURRICULAR

The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, has expressed concerned over the employability of its students in terms of basic Occupational Safety and Health Knowledge and has directed all Departments within the institution to enforce Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) training in their curricular.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Engr. Dr. Michael Arimanwa FNSE, FOSHA, JP, gave the directive during the 2022 Imo State Specialised Health, Safety and Environment Programme held recently at the 1000 Capacity Auditorium, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri.

 

The event with the theme: “The Roles of Educational Institutions in Building Quality Safety Education in Nigeria” is hosted by the Occupational Safety and Health Association in conjunction with the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State and is specifically aimed at containing domestic and workplace fatalities and at the same time premiering the safety revamp project of the institution in conjunction with the Association to see that the students are equipped with the fundamentals of Safety best practices required in industries.

Welcoming delegates at the event, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Michael Arimanwa FNSE, JP, who is also a distinguished Fellow of OSHAssociation UK, expressed his excitement at the launch of the program. He attested to the delegates that the Federal Polytechnic Nekede was once again setting the pace as the first to start the HSE Training Programme in the entire Southeast. He reaffirmed the status of his institution as the best-performing Polytechnic in Nigeria, as well as a Centre of Excellence on ICT.

The Rector also expressed optimism that the HSE program would create a new wave of consciousness in the mind of the citizenry as far as health, safety, and the environment is concerned.

 “We believe this program would help to awaken safety awareness among people, especially now that people even slump while working. It is also our hope that in no distant time, the membership of OSHA in Federal Polytechnic Nekede and the Southeast would expand significantly” He explained.

Declaring the event open, the President, OSHAssociation Nigeria Region, HRH, Dr. Amb Olusegun Aderemi declared that TVET remains the solution to provide jobs for the teaming unemployed youth in the country adding that Safety and Health Knowledge remains relevant as it will safeguard the lives of the workforce, especially the young ones who are 100% of the nation’s future.

Represented by the Rivers State Chairman, Dr. Chris Mitchell FOSHA, the OSHAssociation’s President reiterated that the inculcation of Health and Safety training in TVET will go a long way to not just revitalize the sector, but ensure that accidents, incidents, and fatalities are being stunted to the barest minimum.

“With the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in conjunction with the OSHAssociation critically driving safety best practice across the board, polytechnics remain relevant in this journey that is set to bring out a revamp in the nation as far as Health and Safety is concerned” He declared.

Also speaking at the event, the  Ag. Chairman of the Governing Council of the Polytechnic, Sqd. Ldr. Chima Idika Chima (RtD) thanked the Rector and his Management team for the feat of establishing a HSE Training Centre in the institution, pledging the support of the council members to the program.

In a keynote address, the Chairman of Imo State Chapter of OSHA UK – Nigeria and Coordinator Poly-OSHA Programme, Dr. Austin Madu, thanked the Rector for the unflinching support he granted the OSHA team which facilitated the inauguration of a HSE International Certification center at the Federal Polytechnic Chapter. He described safety and health as “constituents of welfare because health is wealth.”

According to Dr. Madu, “In her bid to complement the efforts of trade unions, therefore, OSHA has offered a lucid operational framework that provides the right impetus to workers all over the world at least to keep the zest of trade unions fighting the increasing rate of work-related diseases, accidents, and fatalities afloat.”

In a lecture at the event, The Regional Administrator of OSHAssociation Nigerian region, Engr. Emmanuel Uwalaka averred that safety is a matter of life and death revealing that many deaths recorded in Nigeria occurs as a result of negligence to safety tenets.

The speaker further described safety skills as “a soft skill” that can earn anyone a place in multinational organizations. He lauded the Rector for championing the establishment of the HSE Training Centre in Federal Polytechnic Nekede, adding that the institution is at the vantage of servicing the rest of the Southeast in HSE training and certification.

The high point of the event was the investiture of sixteen individuals as Fellows of the OSHA-UK – Nigeria (FOSHA) and the induction of over forty-one people as members (MOSHA). Some of the individuals that received the OSHA Fellowship investiture were the Deputy Rector (Academic), C.C. Onyemenonu, ASUP President, Mr. Anderson Ezeibe, Dr. Basilia Igbokwe, Comr. Oliver Uchenna Enete, Engr. Dr. Moses Owolabi, among others.

The high point of the event was the investiture of sixteen individuals as Fellows of the OSHA-UK – Nigeria (FOSHA) and the induction of over forty-one people as members (MOSHA). Some of the individuals that received the OSHA Fellowship investiture were the Deputy Rector (Academic), C.C. Onyemenonu, ASUP President, Mr. Anderson Ezeibe, Dr. Basilia Igbokwe, Comr. Oliver Uchenna Enete, Engr. Dr. Moses Owolabi, among others.

Similarly, the event was used to decorate some notable individuals as Patrons of OSHA-UK, among who was the Ag. Chairman of the 14th Governing Council, Sqd. Ldr. Chima, I. Chima, Chairman/CEO Fratelo Group of Companies, Evang. Berthran Uzodinma, HRH Eze Godwin Merenini, and HRH Eze Augustine Iwuoha.

Meanwhile, the Rector, Engr. Dr. M.C. Arimanwa FNSE, JP, was decorated with the star award of Grand Patron of the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), United Kingdom, Nigeria Region.

The award-winning Polytechnic boss joins the league of eminent but few Nigerians to be so decorated in that cadre, among who is the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Saad Abubakar, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, among others.

OSHAssociation has never relented in advocating for safety best practices in the nation, to this effect, Association has rolled out several campaign programs such as Conferences, workshops, and training programs among others across the nation through its chapters all in a bid to consciencetize the citizenry on the need and benefits of safety compliance in workplaces as well as across the board.

Rivers State Chapter of OSHAssociation Held Safety Workshop to emphasise the Role of Government and Corporate Organisations in Creating a Sustainable Environment.

Rivers State Chapter of OSHAssociation Held Safety Workshop to emphasise the Role of Government and Corporate Organisations in Creating a Sustainable Environment.

The need for collaboration towards revitalizing our environment and also ensuring safety measures in all sectors of the economy was the focus of the 2021 Rivers OSH Workshop, held recently at La Kings Hotel, Port Harcourt.

The workshop with the theme: Creating a Sustainable Environment; “The role of corporate Organisations and the Government”, brought together delegates from both the government and private sectors, alongside safety professionals to deliberate on challenging safety issues and proffer solutions towards creating a sustainable environment.

Speaking at the event, The Chairman of the Cross-River Chapter of OSHAssociation UK, Nigeria Region, Sir Alfred A. Mboto elaborated on the roles of the Government in ensuring public safety. According to him, safety is a paramount responsibility of the government towards the general public and it can only be achieved through proper restructuring and the enactment of policies that would drive the safety of all.

 

Similarly, the President of OSHAssociation UK – Nigeria Region, HRH Dr Amb. Aderemi Olusegun, in his opening speech, noted that government and corporate organisations have roles to play towards ‘Creating a Sustainable Environment’ because Rivers State is a frontline oil producing environment battling with so many negative consequences of environmental degradation viz; oil pollution of the environment, gas flaring, alongside air pollution.

 

The Regional President, represented by the Regional Administrator, Engr. Emmanuel Uwalaka explained that the Government at all levels, alongside corporate organisations, have a great obligation towards the public by entrenching safety, health and a conducive environment in their affairs and daily operations. According to him, good governance will foster sustainability values that “will, in turn, assist corporate bodies and businesses to thrive and ensure employees safety”.

As part of the mandate of OSHAssociation towards building a strong network of safety advocates and raising safety Ambassadors from various sectors, the event featured the induction of new members and Fellowship Investiture of top executives as members of the Association, including the induction of corporate membership of the Center for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (COHSE), UNIPORT.

OSHAssociation is constantly thriving towards safety awareness and Advocacy in all sectors, especially considering the swelling number of industrial hazards encountered in workplaces. Working diligently to its mandate by increasing safety education among Nigerians, OSHAssociation is steadfast in collaborating with relevant institutions and private organisations towards the pursuit of a safe, healthy and secured environment for all through a preventive awareness approach.

Given the above development, OSHAssociation is committed to spreading safety awareness education to the entire states in Nigeria, partnering with government and private institutions to drive the mission in the region.

For more information and partnership, kindly contact the Nigeria Regional Office via nigeria@oshassociation.org and visit www.nigeria.oshassociation.org

 

The meeting came to conclusion with networking and photography of delegates; while the next meeting will be scheduled as the need arises.

For more information, visit www.nigeria.oshassociation.org  or email: nigeria@oshassociation.org

 

 

*Media Team*
OSHAssociation Nigeria

 

Governor Ben Ayade Pledges To Improve Safety In Industries As He Bags OSHA Association Honourary Fellow Membership

Governor Ben Ayade Pledges To Improve Safety In Industries As He Bags OSHA Association Honourary Fellow Membership

In its effort to further increase safety awareness in the society and in different sectors with commitment towards ensuring the safety of lives and properties within different sectors and the society at large, OSHA Association for Occupational Safety and Health of Nigeria in collaboration with the Cross River State Safety Commission hosted Cross River OSH Summit 2021, held at Transcorp Hotels Calabar recently.

The event with the theme: ” Importance of Safety Culture in driving Industrialisation and Development”,  brought together top government officials alongside critical decisions makers from various sectors of the economy, with the major discussion being rolled out considering the high rates of deaths, fatalities and accidents occurring in the workplaces especially the factories and various technical workplaces.

Speaking at the event, The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, emphasised the serious need for Occupational Safety and Health to be factored in all workplaces and seek the Cooperation of OSHAssociation Nigeria towards building a robust safety culture that will help in ensuring the safety of lives and properties in the state.

The Governor was conferred with an International Honorary Fellow Membership of OSHAssociation UK, for his commitment and passion by setting up Cross River State Safety Commission to oversee and improve the safety awareness in the state and ensure compliance.

 

The Regional President of OSHAssociation HRH Dr Amb. Aderemi Olusegun appreciated the government of the Cross River State Government for their various commitments in driving safety awareness and pledged them OSHAssociation’s support and partnership towards achieving the target goal of zero fatalities at workplaces in Cross River State.

 

 

Occupational safety and health are now considered top priority and a huge value in various workplaces to ensure the safety of employees are guaranteed. During the panel discussion at the summit, the Regional President stressed the need to ensure all stakeholders are carried along in driving safety culture and compliance at workplaces.

As part of the mission of OSHAssociation towards building a strong community of safety advocates and Ambassadors in various sectors and the society, Membership induction of new members and Fellowship Investiture of top executives in the public and private sectors was presented, including Corporate Membership of Cross River State Safety Commission which is a strong organ of government piloting safety advocacy and compliance in the South-South state.

Also, To achieve the mandate of increasing safety awareness and education among Nigerians, OSHAssociation remains focused on collaborating with relevant institutions and private organisations towards the pursuit of a safe, healthy and secured environment for all through advocacy and preventive approach.

For more information, visit www.nigeria.oshassociation.org  or email: nigeria@oshassociation.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Media Unit*

The Chief of Naval Staff and His Senior Officers Bag OSHAssociation UK Fellowship; Seek OSHAssociation Support to Maintain Safety Compliance in Nigerian Navy

The Chief of Naval Staff and His Senior Officers Bag OSHAssociation UK Fellowship; Seek OSHAssociation Support to Maintain Safety Compliance in Nigerian Navy

It was another epoch-making event for OSHAssociaion UK- Nigeria Region and the Nigerian Navy at the Fellowship Investiture Ceremony of the Vice Admiral, AZ Gambo the Chief of Naval Staff and other Senior Naval Officers under his administration who were conferred Fellows of the Association at the conference hall of the Naval headquarters in Abuja recently.

The event started with a welcome remark by the Chief of Naval Safety and Standards (CNASS) Rear Admiral AN Ayafa, who appreciated the effort of the Chief of Naval Staff, for bringing them onboard to boost their safety skills and knowledge as decision-makers in their various branches and operations in the Nigerian Navy.

The Regional President, Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHAssocitaion UK)- Nigeria Region HRH Dr Amb. Olusegun Aderemi JP made his investiture speech stating the need and importance of safety within the leadership cadre. He stated the need for everyone to ensure that safety is integrated into decision making within the public and private sectors, further congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff and appreciated his commitment to safety. “OSHAssociation as one of the leading professional recognised safety institutions locally and internationally is very much ready to work closely with the Nigerian Navy to ensure maximum safety compliance in naval operations”, the Regional President Said.

 

 

Thereafter Prof. Rabiu Magaji, a distinguished Fellow of the Association and the Chairman, OSHA National Safety Advocacy Project led the new Fellows through the membership oath, followed by decoration and presentation of Fellow Membership certificates and plaques to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo and other Senior Naval Officers of the Nigerian Navy in the country.

 

The OSHAssociation Nigeria Regional Administrator, Emmanuel Uwalaka stated that safety is a serious business that has to do with lives and deaths, therefore building the safety consciousness of our leaders and members to lead in their various professions in achieving zero fatalities at workplaces is paramount to the Association.

The Chief of Naval Staff during his remark noted that the Nigerian Navy was the foremost Maritime Organisation in Nigeria that adheres to a very high degree of safety standard measures. He expressed delight and happiness that he and his colleagues were admitted into the membership of OSHAssociation and further noted that the Association have been making giant strides for over a decade of its operations in Nigeria.

Vice Admiral AZ Gambo highlighted the importance of occupational safety and health as a strategy to ensure the safety of lives and properties in the maritime environment; he further advised that these strategies must come to play as the Nigerian Navy begin to implement the ‘FALCON EYE’ Project, commissioned by the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces President Muhamadu Buhari to ensure Maritime Safety in Nigeria and seek the cooperation of OSHA Association towards achieving the mandate in the service.

 

Following the mission of OSHAssociation in Nigeria to ensure a proactive safety management system, the Association hopes to use the investiture ceremony of the Chief of Naval Staff and his senior officers at the naval headquarters as a springboard to encourage others within the Military to embrace proactive collaboration and synergy. OSHAssociation Nigeria region is looking forward to having more proactive partnerships with all stakeholders and concerned public and private sector organisations in Nigeria.

For more information, visit www.nigeria.oshassociation.org  or email: nigeria@oshassociation.org

*Media Unit*

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