By: Victory Bernard
As the Nigerian Chapter of American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP NC) round-off 2020/2021 tenure, some distinguished members of the association have eulogized the outgoing President, Mercy Omoifo-Irefo, for her outstanding performance and service during the period.
The chapter year ends today and the hand-over ceremony is slated to hold on July 3rd, 2021 in Abuja.
In separate interviews with members of the association, they commended her legacies in pushing the association forward as well as her tenacity especially as the Coronavirus Pandemic tried to disrupt activities in the year.
Founder and Past President, ASSP-NC, Ambassador Felix Nakpodia, lauded the efforts of the outgoing President for ensuring that the organization remained at its peak in carrying out its duties.
“President (outgoing) Mercy Omoifo Irefo performed extremely well. There was no single dull moment during her tenure. She kept all members, including non-members busy.”
“She made a lot of Organizations aware of ASSP-NC’s existence. She introduced the E-Library for ASSP-NC centred at PTI Effurun. She did her best as a female President,” he said.
A former ASSP-NC President, Nsikak Ekam, lauded the outgoing tenure for effective administration during the tenure and also the establishment of new policies and establishments.
He said, “ASSP President (outgoing) Mercy Irefo did exceedingly well during her tenure. Although COVID-19 change things which we needed to adjust to remain relevant, we went virtual like other associations world wide to prevent and observe COVID-19 protocol. Among others, today ASSP NC has a permanent office and an EHS E-Library inside PTI.”
“The Library is open to the public for those that wish to develop their safety knowledge more. ASSP NG Chapter is available to assist individual and cooperate bodies conduct conceptual business risk assessment, safety audits and inspecting, and conduct safety education and trainings.” he added.
In his words, another distinguished member of the association and President-Elect, Shehu Kabir said, “The outgoing President 2020-2021, Mrs Mercy Omoifo-Irefo has outstanding stewardship particularly when you look at the fact that the Executives came in at the time when the Covid-19 Pandemic became a great setback for many activities around the globe.”
In her farewell address, the outgoing President, ASSP-NC, Mercy Omoifo-Irefo, appreciated ASSP-NC members for their effective collaboration adding that it strengthen the organization’s value and promoted the society.
“I remembered coming to you at the beginning of the year to plead with you all to join me in building the chapter. Leading you looked like an impossible task in the mist of the pandemic. I am delighted to say that we got support, from you all.”
“I am proud to say we have grown bigger and better and we are looking forward to greater height and more achievement. Words are not enough to express my profound gratitude to you all. Thank you all for the roles you played in working with us to promote our society,” she said.
She further called on safety professionals to remain passionate and dedicated to protecting and saving of lives in the workplace, across Nigeria and beyond.