By
Oduyemi Odumade
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards, Abubakar Gumi, says only Health and Safety practitioners duly certified by the National Executive Committee of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria will be recognized to practice in the country.
The new executive will be elected at its Annual General Meeting and unification conference scheduled to hold in Abuja between the 17th and 19th of October 2024.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Gumi said that the decision was based on agreements reached by members of the Caretaker Committee of the Institute, which was put in place to unify the various factions by the National Assembly.
He mentioned that once elected, the new Executive is expected to conduct fresh certifications of Health and Safety practitioners in the country after a revalidation exercise, and new certificates will be issued to members.
Gumi explained that ISPON was officially established in 2014 by an Act of the National Assembly. However, in 2016, issues surrounding elections and leadership transfers led to the division of ISPON into three factions, greatly reducing the institution’s activities.
Despite efforts made by various organizations and individuals to reconcile the factions, no results were achieved.
Therefore, the National Assembly inaugurated a Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations to unify ISPON for the benefit of promoting safety in Nigeria.
The Caretaker Committee was created to conduct the affairs of organizing a conference and AGM to elect new executives to govern ISPON as a unified body.
All national leaders endorsed the communique in a joyous atmosphere, marking a new beginning for ISPON.
Gumi emphasized that no one is above the law, and after October 19th, a new executive will be elected to govern ISPON. All HES practitioners must obtain the new ISPON certification as stipulated by the ISPON Act of 2014. The National Assembly will only recognize certifications issued by the new executives.
Former President of ISPON, Mr. Shaw Fregene, and former Secretary, Mr. Iyenoma Osazee, also expressed their views on the crisis within the institute and the benefits of being a member.
They highlighted the importance of following the rules and regulations outlined in the ISPON Act and emphasized the need for unity and professionalism within the organization.
