By Abubakar Abraham
The Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Kogi State Chapter, has held its 2025 Annual Conference and Induction Ceremony.
Themed “Strategic Safety Management for Socio-Economic Development in Kogi State ” the event, which took place in Lokoja, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from government safety agencies such as the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), alongside safety professionals, academics, and industry experts.
The conference served as a platform to discuss critical safety issues, Mr. Olayinka Fasusi, Coordinator of ISPON Rivers State Chapter, delivered a comprehensive lecture on the essence of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, as established by the ISPON Act of 2014.
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He outlined the institute’s objectives, scope, and operational framework, emphasizing safety compliance, enforcement, and the newly introduced ISPON Regulation 1:2024. His presentation covered critical areas such as safety practices, the role of safety professionals, safety policies, and addressing work-related injuries or violations. promote professional development, and induct new members into the institute. It underscored ISPON’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety to drive socio-economic progress in Kogi State and beyond.
Mr. Fasauyi stressed that ISPON’s mandate is to ensure safe working environments and promote global best practices in safety management across industries.
The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kogi State Chapter, Comrade Samuel urged ISPON to expand its workforce to enhance its impact. He advocated for stricter enforcement of safety laws, calling for punitive measures against employers who fail to prioritise workplace safety. “ISPON must lead by example, ensuring that organizations adhere to safety standards to protect workers and promote accountability,” he stated.
The conference featured four distinguished guest speakers who delivered impactful presentations on various aspects of safety management and their roles in Kogi State’s development.
Prof. Gbenga Ebileye, Federal University Lokoja, highlighted the newly established Centre of Safety Management at Federal University Lokoja, launched in 2025 in collaboration with Safety Analytics Ltd.
He described the centre as a hub for promoting quality learning and professional skills development in safety management.
“The missing link in safety is human capital management,” he noted, emphasising the centre’s role in addressing this gap. He outlined the benefits of pursuing a degree at the centre, including a quality curriculum, global best practices, flexible learning options, affordable tuition, scholarship opportunities, experienced faculty, and equal opportunities for all. The centre aims to contribute to Kogi State’s development by producing skilled safety professionals.
Pharm. Eedris Bello Eneye’s lecture focused on strategic safety management as a catalyst for industrial growth and investment in Kogi State. He defined safety management as a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk evaluation, and control.
“Effective safety management attracts investors by creating a secure environment for businesses to thrive,” he said, urging stakeholders to prioritize safety to boost the state’s economy.
On his part, Prof. Salihu Danlami Musa ,Federal University Lokoja, addressed environmental safety, focusing on the challenges of flooding and erosion in Kogi State. He advocated for proactive environmental safety planning to mitigate these issues, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to protect communities and infrastructure.
Contributing, Engr. Sunday Ibrahim, spoke on the critical role of electrical safety in preventing economic losses and infrastructure failures. He highlighted how adherence to electrical safety standards protects lives, preserves assets, and enhances productivity.
The speakers collectively underscored the benefits of robust safety practices, including the protection of human life, regulatory compliance, environmental preservation, reputation enhancement, and increased efficiency.
A major highlight of the event was the induction of six new members into the ISPON Kogi State Chapter, officiated by the National President of ISPON. The inductees included Mr. Abdullatif Omeiza, Mr. Lucky Onoja, Mr. Kabiru Bello, and three others. The new members pledged to uphold ISPON’s standards and contribute to advancing safety practices in the state.
The conference also featured an awards ceremony to honor individuals and agencies for their contributions to safety in Kogi State. Recipients included the Kogi State Police Commissioner, the Commissioner of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Commissioner of the Environmental Board, and the FRSPN Chairman, among others. The awards recognized their efforts in promoting safety and supporting ISPON’s objectives.
The 2025 Kogi State Safety Conference reinforced the importance of strategic safety management in driving socio-economic development. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, ISPON demonstrated its commitment to fostering collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and private organizations to create a safer and more prosperous Kogi State.
The event concluded with a renewed call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize safety as a cornerstone of development. ISPON Kogi State Chapter expressed its determination to continue advocating for safety compliance, professional development, and innovative solutions to address emerging safety challenges.
As Kogi State looks toward a future of industrial growth and sustainable development, the role of safety professionals and institutions like ISPON will remain pivotal in ensuring the well-being of its people and the protection of its resources.
