OSHA Association For Occupational Safety And Health Of Nigeria (OSHAssociation) Hosts Safety-Related Organisations To Drive Health, Safety And Environment (HSE) Sector Skills Council (SSC) In Nigeria

OSHA Association For Occupational Safety And Health Of Nigeria (OSHAssociation) Hosts Safety-Related Organisations To Drive Health, Safety And Environment (HSE) Sector Skills Council (SSC) In Nigeria

As part of its efforts to enhance Occupational Safety and Health Education in Nigeria while still driving proactive awareness in the area of Health, Safety, Security and Environment across all sectors of the economy, OSHA Association for Occupational Safety and Health of Nigeria as mandated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has hosted HSE related organisations in a bid to pilot the formation of Sector Skills Council for Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in Nigeria in line with the provisions enshrined in the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). The meeting was held at the Enterprise Technology Center, Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja recently.

The meeting with the theme: “Sector Skills Council (SSC) Members Meeting for Health, Safety and Environment” brought together stakeholders from several HSE related organisations such as Nigerian Environmental Society, Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON), Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Navy amongst others; including other delegates who joined the meeting via the Online OSHA ZOOM PLATFORM.

The opening remarks were made by the Regional President of OSHA Association, HRH Dr. Amb. Aderemi Olusegun who enjoined the delegates to take the formation of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) on HSE seriously as it is in the best interest of the general public and the Nigerian Economy. He further appreciated the commitment of the members who attended the last inaugural meeting held on 9th September 2021. He further assured all stakeholders the need to work together to develop the safety consciousness of Nigerians in various sectors, so as to reduce the high rates of injuries and deaths at workplaces.

 

Speaking on the need to enhance safety in all sectors, while explaining the role of OSHA Association in the delivery of HSE programmes, Prof. Rabiu AbduSSALAM Magaji as the HSE SSC team lead and the Chairman of the OSHA National Safety Advocacy Project (NSAP, 2021-2023) disclosed that the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), which is the board spearheading all technical education has shown serious interest in inculcating HSE SSC into the NSQF.
While explaining the conditions and requirements of establishing Sector Skills Council, Prof. Magaji affirmed that the NBTE has mandated OSHA Association to work closely with all the HSE related organisations and NGOs to ensure successful coordination and the formation of the HSE SSC. He further encouraged the stakeholders to be part of the success train of the HSE SSC formation for the benefit of Nigerians.

Similarly, The Regional Administrator of OSHA Association, Engr. Emmanuel Uwalaka enjoined the stakeholders, especially delegates from the private sectors to key in as they represent their Organizations so that they make it possible for the members of this meeting meet the requirements of the formation of the SSC as enshrined in the NSQF.

Meanwhile, the Registrar of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Mr. Benson Adam Otite, stated the need for all critical stakeholders to play their roles in the formation of the SSC and in the pursuit of HSE development in Nigeria. He however noted that for the benefit of professionalism and upcoming professionals all hands must be on deck to ensure that HSE is taken to the grassroots. He advised that International standards can be domesticated to drive HSE in Nigeria.

Similarly, Mrs Uwemedino O., representative of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), applauded OSHA Association for organizing the stakeholders meeting because HSE issues are not properly developed in the Country even though it cuts across all sectors of industries and sectors of the Nigerian economy. She also reiterated that SON is available for partnership and to support in the development of the new HSE SSC.

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

 

Abia State University Chapter of OSHAssociation UK Visits the Nigerian Regional Office to Strengthen their Activities.

The Abia State University Chapter Excos of the Occupational Safety and Health Association United Kingdom (OSHAssociation UK- Nigeria Region) visited the Nigerian national headquarters in Abuja recently.

The students, led by the chapter leader, Kanayo Okonkwo were received by the Regional President of the Association Dr. Dalhatu Mohammed Ahmed, represented by the Regional Administrator, Engr. Emmanuel Uwalaka, the leader noted that their visit was to strengthen their activities and to tap into the necessary opportunities in the Association through the Nigeria office and to get better understanding on how OSHAssociation can positively affect their studies and career in the future as student members.

The Regional Administrator however, thanked the students for being committed and resolute in their efforts in advocating safety in their university. He said, “I must commend your efforts in taking safety knowledge as a fundamental requirement in your discipline, especially as the future leaders of various industries. We are very much aware that you may be facing some challenges in your line of studies in relation to Occupational Safety and Health but I believe that your exposure to OSHAssociation as a professional body in the field of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment, will broaden your understanding of managing safety in your various disciplines and I want you to know that if you can utilise this opportunity given to you as student members of this great Association, you will yield the expected benefits in no distant time”.

As a way of encouraging the students, Emmanuel intimated the students to set their priorities right towards the future which should always be on how they can contribute to national goals and development by using their intellectual skills and capacities to move the nation forward. In his words, “Your priorities should always be on how you can help humanity and contribute to nation building, because it is more beneficial to have skills and knowledge that will make you relevant after graduation”.

The Chapter leader, Kanayo Okonkwo appreciated the assistance the regional office has been providing for the ABSU Chapter. The students’ president, Madi Nnamdi also extended his appreciation to the Regional President and his Executive team. According to him, “Among other things that called for the visit was to register our physical presence in the Association’s regional office, to get encouraged and to build on the existing relationship. We appreciate the support the regional office has been giving us and we will remain committed to ensure effective safety awareness in the community.”

As part of their report to the National Secretariat, he further explained their commitment towards safety awareness and campaign towards building safety culture in the University environment. He reported the continuous growth of the Chapter and the effectiveness of his executives who are true safety ambassadors in various departments, while encouraging other students to join them to ensure maximum safety impact in the university environment under one platform in promoting a safe and healthy environment. Among those that joined in the official visit are the Chapter Leader, Kanayo Duke Okonkwo; The Students’ President, Madi Nnamdi; The Vice President, Uwandu Thaddeus; Welfare Officer, Nwagbo Rejoice Ifunanya and Ndubueze Obinna.

The Regional Administrator who presented official journals to the Chapter president expressed happiness and joy as the chapter Leader thanked the national secretariat for their support and moral empowerment to serve humanity and promote safety and health in the university and the society at large.

Team.
Safety View Magazine

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