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By Emmanuel Sampson/
Sampson Enyongekere
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), Student Chapter, of the University of Uyo has inaugurated a 4-man Caretaker Committee to oversee its affairs in the interim pending the conduct of a new election to elect a constitutional Executive Committee later in the year.
This followed the dissolution of the former Executive Committee of the chapter last Saturday, February 6, at the Student Section Meeting, Uyo Zone, held at the Chemistry Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo Main Campus. Addressing student members and intending members, Nigeria Chapter President of ASSP, Mrs. Mercy Omoifo Irefo said the essence of safety practices across the world is to ensure that individuals are safe while going about their day-to-day businesses.
She explained that ASSP is a global association of Safety, health and environmental Professions dedicated to the advancement of its members and the profession through education and and advocacy.
Mrs. Irefo maintained that before safety can be practised habitually, there must be safety campaigns mounted by professionals. The Nigeria Chapter President who disclosed that students don’t have to study safety as a course in school to be safety conscious stressed, that the Student Section of the ASSP was created to educate and train students on the need for safety, in one’s area of discipline not withstanding, advising them to always consult their student coordinator, Professor Ime Udobong in whatever they set out to do to guarantee success.
She informed students that safety habits inculcated in them while in school will as a necessity be taken into the career world in the future, urged students and others to enrol into ASSP for unending opportunities and possibilities.
Mrs Mercy Irefo revealed that there was only a single Student Chapter segmented zonally presently in Nigeria but promised it will be separated when the zones are strong enough to stand on their own. Flanked by the immediate past President, she intimated that election for the chapter executive is organised annually and emphasized the need for unity, love and cooperation amongst members even as she tasks the new Caretaker Committee to make their tenure both impactful and eventful by initiating ideas aimed at broadening the scope of safety consciousness, awareness, and student membership across the University, while enumerating the gains students stand to benefit as ASSP members.
Also speaking, the immediate past President of the American Society of Safety Professionals in Nigeria, Engr. Nsikak Ekam pleaded with student members in particular and others in general to adhere to safety guidelines and measures laid down by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC, in order to reduce the spread, saying adherence to laid down measures was the way to go. He urged students, safety practitioners and others to equip themselves with the new safety guidelines to reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities in our various workplace
Engr Ekam congratulated the newly sworn-in members of the Caretaker Committee and urged them to be in constant touch with the Chapter Coordinator and National Executive and work as a team while leveraging on individual strength.
In his submission, Mr. Victor Chukwu , a former Student Section President recounted his benefits as a member of ASSP. He said the American Society of Safety Professionals will help students to build a network of friends in different careers and climes beyond just the safety consciousness imbibed by members, urging them not to take the opportunity for granted.
Nigeria Student Section President, Mr. Ugwu Terrelbasil Onyekachi expressed satisfaction over the recognition accorded students by established professionals in all of ASSP affairs.
He harped on the fact that the group has linked students to thriving entrepreneurs, company owners, managers and more experienced persons across the nation and beyond even as he encouraged colleagues to build a friendship base using ASSP for a better future.
The newly nominated Members of the ASSP Uniuyo Caretaker Committee are: Comrade Dick Anael Emmanuel– Chapter Coordinator, Comrade Cornelius Udoudo, Secretary, Comrade Cecilia Izunwanne, Treasurer and
Comrade Semaediong Moses Membership Coordinator.
High point of the meeting was the presentation of certificates to the immediate past Executive Members in recognition of their commitment and sterling service to ASSP.
