What Africa Says About Bev’s Performance at IOSH
Safety Leaders in the African continent have lauded immediate past helmswoman of the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH), Bev Messinger, for her contributions to safety in Africa.
Bev, who served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IOSH for four and half years, penned down on July 31st, 2021, indicating her desire to “rewire”.
In separate chats with HSENations, some of Africa’s leading voices in safety reflected the pertinent role played by Bev in pushing the frontiers of safety in the continent.
In her view, a Council Member and former Consultant of IOSH to West Africa, Funmi Adegbola, she eulogized Bev for her visionary and exemplary leadership attributes stressing that it was expressed in her support for Africa.
“Bev is the true definition of a leader. Despite only working with her very briefly, I experienced a style of leadership and one worthy of emulation.”
“She is a big thinker and a visionary. Hence, her support for the development and growth of health and safety in Africa (West Africa to be precise).”
“But for her love and appetite for innovation and risk taking, there would not be an IOSH West Africa Division. She is optimistic, inspirational and magnetic. She is goal oriented and future driven and that is why it is no surprise she’s left a legacy.”
“She gave the members in Africa a bigger platform for our voices to be heard and for that purpose, we appreciate and celebrate her. Thanks Bev for being you,” Adegbola said.
Chair of IOSH, West Africa, Dapo Omolade, while wishing the ex-CEO success in her future endeavour, he lauded her support towards the course of IOSH in West Africa.
“Having been with IOSH for four years and a little more, I think she has done greatly. It was during her time in IOSH that the whole dream of Africa becoming a Division became a reality.”
“She was very supportive. She pushed until she was able to achieve that success for us in IOSH West Africa Division. Thank you so much for your support to the West African Division and the great work that you did in IOSH before you left.”
“We are looking forward to what she is going to be doing in the coming years. We do hope that your legacy will be sustained to a large extent,” Omolade said.
Chair of IOSH, Ghana and Exco-Member of IOSH, West Africa, Edward Debrah, commended Bev’s personality and her all inclusive form of leadership.
“She led an all inclusive campaign especially with bringing IOSH to Africa and taking Africa to the world. She was warm, very nice and courteous. My personal encounter with her spoke volumes. IOSH will miss her,” Debrah said.
Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner and IOSH Council Member, Cynthia Ozobu (CMIOSH), concurred the quality and commitment of her leadership towards the growth of IOSH West Africa.
She said, “She was all inclusive in her leadership which increased the visibility and IOSH leadership commitment in growing the IOSH West Africa branch.”
“I was privileged to work with her in hosting the first ever IOSH WA conference in Nigeria. In my opinion, her drive, support and commitment are contributory to the spotlight Africa has on the IOSH global Map.”
Another IOSH Council Member, Akeem Mustapha (CMIOSH), lauded Bev’s passion towards expanding the horizon of occupational safety and health in Africa.
In his words, “Although I never met her in person but my perception of the Chief Executive is that she is a strategic and influential leader from the achievements of IOSH during her tenure.”
“I was super impressed when I saw her at the IOSH West Africa (Nigeria) conference in 2019. This displays her vision and determination for developing OSH not just in the UK but also in Africa,” he said.
In his remarks, Former Vice President and Council Member, IOSH, Engr. Kayode Fowode,(CFIOSH), lauded the ex-IOSH leader for her achievements towards the growth and stability of the institution.
“I had the opportunity of working with Bev during my time as IOSH Vice President and Council Member. She also led the IOSH team to Nigeria to hold the IOSH first ever Conference in Africa.”
“Bev is an high achiever with excellent leadership skills and her works at IOSH brought the growth and stability we needed as an institution and most importantly, leading the institution to achieve her set objectives.”
“We’ll miss you Bev,” Fowode said.
In his view, a member of AfriSAFE Advisory Board, Wale Bakare, harped that Bev “won’t be forgotten in a hurry” by Africa.
“It was a great honour meeting and sharing platforms with you during your tenure.”
“You did amazing work and you won’t be forgotten in a hurry. Definitely, not by those in Africa where you helped to grow the IOSH reach exponentially. Wishing you all the best as you rewire,” he said.
