ISPON courts Imo govt. for partnership on public safety

THE INSTITUTE OF SAFETY Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), the technical arm of the National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria (NISCN), has approached the Imo State government seeking its hand in partnership to develop and upgrade safety consciousness, awareness and practice in all areas as well as all the aspects of human activities in the state.

Dike Uzoma, chairman of the Imo State branch, made the request when he led a delegation of the institute to Prince Ugochukwu Nzekwe, special adviser on public safety to Governor Hope Uzodinma, saying the institute is keen to bring to bear its expertise, knowledge and competence to Imo State to ensure the safety of the people, assets and the environment of the state through an effective and collaborative effort with the office of the special adviser.

“We also hope to jointly develop appropriate policy, regulations, laws and framework that will enhance the success of this worthy goal of safety for all in Imo state,” Dike said.

Established in the year 1981 and chartered by ISPON Act, No. 2 LFN 2014 with the core mandate of regulating, training, certification and practice of Health Safety and Environment (HSE) management in the country, Dike said that the institute currently has established offices or branches in 14 states of the federation, with over 7000 professional members across the country.

“We are the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Imo State branch, formerly, the technical arm of the National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria which has a tripartite arrangement (Government, Labour and Employers) established by the Federal government of Nigeria.

“In 2014, the Institute was chartered as the body of professionals in health, safety and environment (HSE) practice. The Institute was formed in the year 1981and chartered by ISPON Act, No. 2. LFN 2014, with the core mandate of training certification and practice of Health Safety and Environment (HSE) management in Nigeria,” he said.

He therefore urged the state government to protect the people from the menace of quacks who he noted parade themselves as safety practitioners by collaborating with the institute, monitoring, identifying and sanctioning them.

Prince Nzekwe noted that the institute is a formidable and credible outfit set up to promote public safety, stating that the State Safety Commission Law established by the State House of Assembly stipulates collaboration with the institute.

“Your visit is timely and we will collaborate and work with your institute because you have a lot to offer and henceforth we will engage you in all our activities for meaningful input,” Nzekwe said.