The landscape for safety professionals in Nigeria has fundamentally shifted, with the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) asserting its sole legal authority over the practice. This significant declaration was made by Dr. Stephen Udezi, National President of ISPON, during a recent induction ceremony held in Ogun State.

Addressing the newly inducted members and stakeholders, Dr. Udezi initially stated, “Those not in ISPON will be fine going forward.” However, he quickly clarified this to underscore the institute’s solidified legal standing, emphasizing the profound changes brought about by the legislative act.

“Since ISPON’s founding in 1980 until the signing of the act into law in 2014, there was no proliferation of safety professionals,” Dr. Udezi explained.

“However, with the act, the landscape has fundamentally changed. If you are not an ISPON member, then you are working against the law of the country as a safety professional. You can’t be a safety manager in a company in Nigeria and not be an ISPON member.”

The ceremony saw Mr. Ben Modebe, the Registrar of ISPON, call out and present the new members who had successfully met all criteria to the President for induction.

Dr. Udezi charged the inductees to serve as exemplary ambassadors of ISPON and to contribute meaningfully to the development of both the Institute and the nation. Following the induction, the Registrar led the new members in taking the professional oath.

The ISPON Ogun State branch office secretariat, located at Ogab Plaza, Brewery, was subsequently commissioned by the President.

Mr. Tope Amoo, Chairman of the ISPON Ogun State branch, affirmed the branch’s unwavering support for the leadership, stating, “The President’s vision has been the sole motivation for the branch’s continued operation.”

He firmly dismissed any claims of factionalism within Ogun State, clarifying, “We don’t have a faction in Ogun State; the branch office is at Ogab Plaza, Akin Olugbade Road , Brewery. Any other certification received from any other supposed ISPON faction is a waste of money and that certificate is as paper on the street.”

Dr. Udezi also addressed ongoing internal challenges, specifically mentioning Timothy Iwuagwu and three others as sources of “distraction.” He reiterated the institute’s unity despite these challenges, stating, “Like I said, it’s a distraction, but we must stay focused… and we are one despite the distraction by Timothy.”

Adding further context, Mr. Echendu Harold, a governing board member and electoral officer, revealed that Mr. Iwuagwu was initially positioned to receive credit for unification efforts by the National Assembly However, “because of his selfish ambition, and it didn’t go the way he has envisioned based on his selfishness, he, Timothy decided to turn back from what the three factions had agreed with the intervention of the National Assembly.”

Mr. Harold unequivocally reinforced Dr. Udezi’s legitimate leadership. “Nobody can claim leadership of ISPON besides Chief Dr. Stephen Udezi. Timothy is an imposter. By the legal status that exists today, ISPON is one and led by the President, Dr. Stephen.” He concluded by emphasizing Ogun State’s strategic importance due to its proximity to Lagos, making it a key hub for ISPON’s operations.

The following individuals have been inaugurated as executive members of the ISPON Ogun State branch: