Nosa Aituamen
President, Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Chief Stephen Udezi has reaffirmed his commitment to unifying the institute and establishing robust safety standards across the nation, following a period of internal strife.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos, Chief Udezi, outlined his vision for ISPON, which includes strengthening collaborations with international bodies like the American Society of Safety Engineers, and establishing partnerships with academic institutions.
“We are discussing to ensure that ISPON members automatically qualify to do the CSP exam in Nigeria. We have also signed MoU’s with institutions like Caleb University and have safety education centers at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, and the University of Port Harcourt.”
He also emphasized the institute’s role in setting national safety standards and collaborating with government agencies.
“The ISPON Act 2014 mandates that for you to be recognized as a safety professional in Nigeria, your name must be on our membership list. We are working to ensure that safety practices across the country are standardized and enforced.”
The ISPON President called on all safety professionals in Nigeria to regularize their membership with ISPON and contribute to building a safer nation.
“Nigeria is the only country in Africa where the government recognizes a safety body with such status,” he said, urging members to seize the opportunity to excel.
While emphasizing that, he is the authentic president, assured the public that ISPON is united and focused on its mandate, dismissing any attempts to destabilize the institute.
“There is no problem in ISPON. We are just beginning, and we have much to achieve.”
Chief Udezi detailed the efforts undertaken to resolve factional disputes and ensure the institute operates under a unified leadership.
He explained that, the National Assembly, through its House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, intervened in October 2024, called for an Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Professional Development Conference (PDC) to mediate the internal crises.
According to him, following extensive discussions, a caretaker committee was formed, culminating in a transparent election where he emerged victorious.
ISPON president also addressed the issue of dismissed members, who he stated, were dismissed following disciplinary procedures.
He dismissed their claims of holding legitimate positions within ISPON and refuted allegations of his arrest.
He challenged, “If anybody wants to palette himself as ISPON president aside me, that man should be bold enough to come and show where he had elections and he was elected president.”