As anticipation builds for AfriSAFE 2025, Africa’s biggest celebration of health, safety, and environmental excellence, attention turns to the distinguished panel of judges who will evaluate this year’s entries. To ensure transparency and excellence, the panel is made up of accomplished professionals with proven expertise in their fields.
These judges represent a blend of academic distinction, industry leadership, and community impact, making them uniquely qualified to assess and recognize outstanding contributions to safety and sustainability in Africa.
MRS. NOFISAT AROGUNDADE
Distinguished Safety Professional & Visionary Leader in Occupational Safety and Health
With over four decades of service, Mrs. Nofisat Arogundade is one of Nigeria’s most respected safety professionals. She retired as Director of Occupational Safety and Health in 2016 after 35 years with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, where she played a central role in shaping national safety policy. Holding a degree in Chemistry and an MBA in Operations Management, she is a Fellow of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (FISPN), the Occupational Safety and Health Association (FOSHA), and the SaFERR Global Institute (FSGI).
Mrs. Arogundade pioneered Nigeria’s first National Profile on Occupational Safety and Health and developed the national inspection checklist, achievements that earned her national and international recognition. She continues to mentor emerging safety leaders and has served as an AfriSAFE Judge since 2020.
Her numerous accolades include the Lifetime Achievement in HSE Award 2024 from the Society of Women in Safety, Health and Environment – Africa, the AfriSAFE Sentinel Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from ASSP Women in Safety Excellence (Nigeria Chapter), and the World Safety Award 2025. A committed community leader, she contributes actively to Lions International and NASFAT, leaving a legacy of leadership, service, and impact.
DAVID FOY
Head of Health and Safety, University of Lancashire, UK
David Foy is a seasoned health and safety professional with extensive experience in higher education and industry. As Head of Health and Safety at the University of Lancashire, he has advanced institutional safety standards in the UK. He holds fellowships with the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM), alongside membership of the Institute of Fire Safety Management (IFSM).
Beyond academia, Foy contributes to award platforms as a selection panel member and serves as a board member of Safety Groups UK. As an ambassador for RoSPA, his influence extends across Europe and Africa. Since 2020, he has brought his expertise to AfriSAFE as a judge, championing quality, health, safety, environment, and security (QHSE) excellence on the continent.
MARY J. STINE
Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Expert
Mary Stine is certified by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, USA, and brings over 19 years of experience in occupational health, safety, and environmental management. She holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health from UCLA and Pennsylvania State University.
A distinguished member of the American Society of Safety Engineers and Women in Safety Engineering, she has held senior leadership roles, including Chairman for Women in Safety Excellence (2019) and President Elect for ASSP (2023).
Stine has standardized occupational safety engineering systems globally, developing procedures and patents for industries such as defense, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. A skilled project manager, trainer, and public speaker, she communicates effectively with diverse audiences, including corporate executives and minority communities. Her passion for mentoring Generation Z and Millennials highlights her role as a bridge between generations in the evolving world of safety leadership.
QUIN ORWA-JUMA, PhD
Assistant Professor & Academic Leader
Dr. Quin Orwa-Juma is a Kenyan academic and researcher specializing in applied linguistics, communication, and education. She is an Assistant Professor at the United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa), where she contributes to advancing second language acquisition research and effective communication in education.
She holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Kenyatta University, an MA from Victoria University of Wellington, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Nairobi. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Michigan State University.
Dr. Orwa-Juma is Deputy Chair of AENI International, where she promotes education, mentorship, and leadership across Africa. Passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, she works closely with Kenyan youth to promote equal opportunities in education and professional development. Her scholarship and community service bridge academic research with social transformation, positioning her as a credible and inspirational AfriSAFE judge.
WALE BAKARE
Multiple-Award-Winning HSE Expert | Certified Auditor & Management Systems Specialist
Wale Bakare is a Fellow of the Emergency, Crisis, and Risk Management Institute of Nigeria, and an award-winning occupational health and safety consultant. With over 20 years of international experience spanning Nigeria, the UK, Turkey, and the UAE, Bakare has led numerous safety projects across public and private sectors.
He is a Certified ISO 45001 Lead Auditor and Implementer and has contributed to high-level projects funded by international agencies, including the World Bank and France Development Bank. He has supported key institutions such as the Lagos State Safety Commission and Galaxy Backbone Limited in achieving integrated management systems certification.
As a prolific essayist, columnist, and author, Bakare is highly sought-after as a trainer and speaker, known for his engaging and impactful style. His wealth of expertise ensures his continued relevance as a voice for safety excellence in Africa and beyond.
PROF. GLORIA J. BROWNE-MARSHALL
Author, Professor, Attorney, Playwright, Commentator, and Social Justice Advocate (Chief Observer)
Prof. Gloria J. Browne-Marshall is an internationally recognized author, professor, civil rights attorney, and social justice advocate. A tenured professor at John Jay College (CUNY), her expertise spans constitutional law, Africa studies, and human rights.
She has spoken at leading global platforms including the United Nations in Geneva and New York, as well as conferences in Ghana, Nigeria, France, Canada, and the UK. Her commentary features on major outlets including CNN, MSNBC, BBC, and France 24.
A recipient of the Emmy Award and the Silver Gavel Award, Prof. Browne-Marshall is also a member of the National Press Club, American Bar Association, and Pen America. Her contributions to law, media, and advocacy reflect her commitment to advancing justice and equality on a global stage.
NTHABISENG MMUSI
Founder & Consulting Partner, SHE ON STANDBY | SHEQ & ESG Strategist | Mentor | Author | Philanthropist
A celebrated practitioner in Safety, Health, Environmental, and Risk Management, Nthabiseng Mmusi has made her mark particularly in mining and high-risk industries. She is the Founder of SHE ON STANDBY, a Botswana-based consultancy that delivers training, compliance support, and community-centered initiatives.
Certified in ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 9001:2015, Nthabiseng is also Vice Chairperson of the AfriSAFE Board. Known affectionately as “Mma Matlakala – The Waste Queen,” she is a strong advocate for environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
Her recognitions include the Human Diamond Award, and she has led national clean-up campaigns under the banner We Sparkle Like Diamonds. She also hosted The Safety Factor on Duma FM (2020–2023), using radio to drive safety and wellness awareness. Her memoir, When They Fired Me, I Let Myself Rise, captures her resilience and leadership journey.
With this panel of judges, AfriSAFE 2025 promises to be a landmark event, recognizing individuals and organizations who are redefining health, safety, and wellbeing across Africa.
The event is endorsed by bodies including the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Kenya, the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), House of Representative Committee on Safety standards and Regulations and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
Zambia Sugar, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Golden Africa Djibouti, SAVENDA group, Seplat Energy, ASKY Airline, Russel Smith Nigeria Limited, SMTS Zambia , Joint Professionals Training and Support International (JPTS)/Global Wealth University, Hybrid Group, isafety group, Bellie&Rooster, Yikodeen Company Limited, Nigeria Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE), African Occupational Compliance Institute, The Bristlecone Experience, Safety Consultants & Solution Providers Limited (SCSP), Sttrutt Integrated Services Limited, HSSEC Solutions Limited, Kaileys Safety Health Environment, Fog, Imperium & Aurelius (FIA), Milary Limited, Paddie (App), Kaileys Consortium, Finsbury Heinz Limited, Qodar Safety Consults, Ampak Nigeria Limited.
Key partners include the Africa Vision Zero Network and the Alliance for Women in EHS, Kenya.
Media Partners: EHS Unplugged Podcast, Standard group, Sierraloaded
Official Travel Partner: Movejeje.
