The President of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Chief Dr. Stephen Udezi, has reaffirmed his leadership as the authentic President of the institute.
This is just as he emphasized the unification of ISPON and the establishment of safety standards across Nigeria.
Addressing members and stakeholders in a press briefing in Lagos, Chief Udezi recalled the events that led to the resolution of past conflicts within the institute.
He highlighted that on October 17-19, 2024, the House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations convened an Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Professional Development Conference (PDC) to address internal disputes and unify all factions.
According to him, the intervention of the National Assembly was necessary due to divisions within ISPON.
“Some individuals attempted to use the National Assembly to impose themselves as leaders, but the House remained an unbiased arbiter,” Udezi stated.
He noted that, after discussions, a consensus was reached among the factions, leading to the formation of a 12-member caretaker committee, which included representatives from all groups.
While the committee, chaired by Honourable Harrison of the House Committee on Safety Standards, ensured a smooth transition.
A Credible Election and a Mandate for Unification
The President detailed the electoral process, describing it as transparent and credible. According to him, the ISPON election, held during the AGM on October 19, 2024, was conducted by the National Assembly itself, with Honourable Abubakar Gumi overseeing the process, adding that, he merged victorious in a contested race, with fellow candidate Pastor Evaristo Uzamere publicly acknowledging his victory and offering support.
Following his swearing-in, Chief Udezi said, with his governing board, they took immediate steps to unify the institute at all levels. “We have successfully conducted elections in five states, including Lagos, Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa, bringing all factions together under one ISPON,” he noted.
He emphasized that the overwhelming participation in the Lagos election demonstrated members’ desire for a united ISPON.
Commitment to Standards and Professional Growth
Beyond unification, Chief Udezi reaffirmed ISPON’s role in setting and enforcing safety standards in Nigeria.
He announced ongoing discussions with the American Society of Safety Engineers and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals to restore a previous agreement that allows ISPON members to qualify for the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) exam.
ISPON has also partnered with institutions such as Caleb University and the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, to promote safety education.
“We currently offer diploma, postgraduate, and master’s programs in safety management, with plans to expand into PhD programs at the University of Port Harcourt,” Udezi disclosed.
Furthermore, he announced ISPON has been incorporated into the National Assembly’s oversight functions to ensure compliance with safety regulations across industries.
He warned, “The ISPON Act of 2014 mandates that only registered ISPON members can legally practice safety in Nigeria. Any individual working as a safety officer without ISPON certification is doing so illegally and faces penalties”.
Addressing Disruptions and Strengthening ISPON
Responding to attempts by some dismissed members to destabilize ISPON, Chief Udezi dismissed their claims, stating that those individuals had been legally expelled from the institute for misconduct.
He particularly addressed recent incidents in Lagos, where unauthorized individuals attempted to disrupt ISPON activities.
He asserted, “These dismissed individuals are no longer members of ISPON. Their false claims and unauthorized actions have been addressed by law enforcement”.
Despite these distractions, Chief Udezi remains focused on advancing ISPON’s goals. “We are committed to improving safety standards, unifying our members, and expanding our professional development initiatives. With our revalidation process underway, we will soon launch an ISPON Youth Wing, host technical webinars, and further enhance our training programs”.
The ISPON President called on all safety professionals in Nigeria to regularize their membership and contribute to building a stronger and more effective safety culture in the country.
