ABSG TO PARTNER ISPON ON PUBLIC AND WORKPLACE SAFETY AS INDUSTRIALISATION DRIVE INTENSIFIES

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting workplace, occupational, and public safety through a strategic partnership with the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), as the state intensifies its industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.

Governor Otti gave the assurance while receiving the national leadership of ISPON, led by its National President, Chief Dr. Stephen Udezi, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Umuahia.

Welcoming the delegation, the Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, described the Institute’s offer to provide professional safety services, technical advisory support, and free safety audits for government facilities as a timely intervention that aligns with the state’s expanding industrial and infrastructure development.

He stressed that the present administration remains committed to collaborating with reputable professional bodies whose expertise will strengthen governance, enhance public safety, and drive sustainable development.

“Everything good now finds its way to Abia State. We are pleased to welcome partnerships with professional bodies like ISPON whose expertise will contribute to strengthening safety standards, improving governance, and supporting our drive for sustainable development,” the Governor said, while commending ISPON for its readiness to support the government with professional safety services.

Governor Otti assured the delegation that the State Government would carefully consider the Institute’s requests, including support for its 2026 Professional Development Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold in Umuahia from October 14 to 16, 2026.

He explained that attracting national and international conferences has become a deliberate economic strategy of the administration, noting that such events stimulate business activities through increased patronage of hotels, transport services, restaurants, and other local enterprises.

“The money spent in sponsoring such a programme is far less than what participants will inject into the state’s economy. Whichever way you look at it, Abia gains because our people benefit economically,” the Governor said.

He added that hosting professional conferences has become one of the ways through which the administration promotes economic growth, as visitors attending such events contribute directly to the expansion of local businesses and service providers.

The Governor further highlighted the ongoing development of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP), stating that strict adherence to global safety standards would remain a key requirement for industries operating within the state.

He also sought ISPON’s collaboration in training personnel involved in the state’s market retrofitting programme to minimise fire outbreaks and improve public safety, adding that the proposed Abia State Safety Commission would work closely with the Institute to strengthen safety regulation and compliance.

Earlier, the National President of ISPON, Chief Dr. Stephen Udezi, said the visit was aimed at deepening collaboration between the Institute and the Abia State Government in promoting occupational, environmental, and public safety.

He commended Governor Otti’s visionary leadership and ongoing reforms, describing Abia as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing states in terms of infrastructure and economic development.

Dr. Udezi stated that the Institute is prepared to support the government through technical advisory services, specialised safety training, capacity building for government personnel and contractors, as well as professional guidance for strategic projects, including the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park.

He advocated the establishment of an Abia State Safety Commission to coordinate safety policies and strengthen regulatory compliance across both the public and private sectors.

The ISPON President disclosed that the Institute selected Abia State as the venue for its 2026 Professional Development Conference and Annual General Meeting because of the remarkable transformation taking place under Governor Otti’s administration.

He revealed that the conference is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates from Nigeria and other countries, providing a significant boost to tourism, hospitality, transportation, and commercial activities within the state.

Dr. Udezi further pledged that ISPON would conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the Government House at no cost and support the training and certification of government personnel as professional safety practitioners.

He reminded organisations that under the ISPON Act, 2014, only registered members of the Institute are legally recognised as professional safety practitioners in Nigeria, warning that organisations engaging unqualified personnel for safety responsibilities risk legal sanctions.

Also speaking, the Chairman of ISPON, Abia State Branch, Engr. Henry Uzoma, described the visit as a strategic move towards integrating safety into the state’s development agenda.

He emphasised the need for the establishment of an Abia State Safety Commission, noting that a coordinated safety framework would boost investor confidence and ensure compliance with global safety standards as the state continues to attract investments.

Uzoma added that the October conference would bring together safety professionals from Nigeria, across Africa, and beyond, creating additional economic opportunities for local businesses while promoting greater awareness of safety best practices.

He commended Governor Otti for his exceptional leadership, stating that the administration’s developmental achievements have positioned Abia as a benchmark for good governance in the South-East.

Present during the courtesy visit were the Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, and aides to the Deputy Governor.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
July 16, 2026.