The American Society of Safety Professionals Nigeria Chapter led by her President Mrs. Mercy Omoifo-Irefo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the first e-library to promote and conduct research on occupational health and safety with the Petroleum Training Institute – Effurun, Delta State, in Nigeria.
The ceremony which took place at the Council Chamber of the Institute on Friday 20th November, 2020 had in attendance on the part of ASSP, the current executive members of the Nigeria chapter of the association led by her President – Mrs. Mercy Omoifo-Irefo, Secretary – Mr. Daniel Omonoba and Treasurer – Mr James Coker. Also present were past Presidents of the association, Emeritus Herbert Nwaka and Mr. Daniel Osadiaye, while other Assp members who witnessed the ceremony were Dr. Ogechi Ukandu, Ms Dearest Ejenarhome and Prince Erijoh Enahoro.
In her opening speech, the President ASSP Nigeria Chapter, Mrs. Mercy Omoifo-Irefo recounted that at the inception of the current executive of the association, consultations were made for partnership with relevant Federal Government and States’ Ministries, Parastatals and Agencies and other business concerns on the need for synergy with ASSP to promote workplace health and safety concerns and awareness campaigns across the nation.
The current executive of the association had indicated to explore areas of public awareness campaigns on occupational health and safety through the inclusion of SAFETY as a subject in schools curricula nationwide, media campaigns through talk shops, seminars, billboards, jingles on television and radio, production and distribution of fliers and the establishment of an e-library which will provide a study, research and reference base for the association in Nigeria and beyond.
The President of the association noted with delight that in one of her courtesy visit to PTI, she requested for a location to operate an e-library be given to ASSP in the light of an e-library Project Plan. This was approved by Management of Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun – Delta State, with the provision of space within the campus for the establishment of the e-library and an operational office that has led to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties.
The President also noted that this shall provide a base for the collation and dissemination of the American Society of Safety Professionals teaching and learning materials worldwide, journals and easy access to publications and ebooks, articles and software that would serve as a research base for the advancement of Occupational Health and Safety Practice in various organizations, workplace, institutions and the promotion of health and safety nationwide and by extension, worldwide.
In response, the Principal/Chief Executive of Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun Dr. Henry A. Adimula expressed gratitude to the America Society of Safety Professionals Nigeria Chapter for choosing to partner with PTI. He posited that the PTI was the pioneer school that offered Safety Courses in Nigeria and that having the first Occupational Health and Safety e-library befitted her status. He said they welcome the innovation and looked forward to better working relationship with ASSP to achieve this goal.
The Principal/Chief Executive of the PTI Dr. Henry A. Adimula also promised a continuous synergy between the Institute and the ASSP with every needed support to make sure that the proposed e-library which is the first of it’s kind in Nigeria, become fully operational within the next six months as scheduled by ASSP President.
As part of the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun management representatives at the signing of the MoU were the Principal/Chief Executive of the Institute Dr. H. E. Ademula, The Registrar, Mr. Clement Siakpere, Director Human Resources – Mr. Isaac Fegene, Director Public Affairs – Mr. B.A Ukanefimoni, Dr. Famous Eseduwo, and a host of other Heads of Departments of the Institute.
The unveiling of the e-library Startup Project was done immediately by Hon Amos Gwamna Makaji, member representing Zango Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency – Kaduna State at the Federal House of Representatives along side Chief Executive/Principal Petroleum Training Institute Dr. H. A Adimula, ASSP – Nigeria Chapter President, Mrs Mercy Omoifo-Irefo, The Managing Director, Tariff and Billing, Nigerian Ports Authority Umar Abubakar Garba.
Special guests, friends, well wishers, ASSP students, ASSP members physically present and those on online participated and gave their support as the e-library project was unveiled. The project is expected to be complete within six months, The ASSP President affirmed.
