ISPON Inaugurates Osun Branch As Adeleke’s Aide Advocates Safety Culture, Government Collaboration

-Inducts 17 New Members

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Sanitation, Hon. Tunde Balogun, has called for a sustained safety culture and stronger collaboration between government and safety professionals to prevent avoidable hazards and promote environmental health in the state.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Osun State branch of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), held at the Oasis Events and Conference Centre, Osogbo.

“This is a bold step toward ensuring safety standards are upheld in Osun. Under Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership, we prioritize health, safety, and environmental well-being. With this ISPON branch, safety professionals no longer have to travel outside the state for training,” Hon. Balogun stated.

He emphasized the government’s willingness to support the institute in its awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and training programs, stressing that sanitation and safety go hand in hand.

“Let us make safety a way of life, not just a regulation,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Chief Dr. Stephen L. A. Udezi, National President of ISPON, called on the Osun State Government to establish a Safety Commission, which he said would enable better emergency preparedness across local governments.

“They must reach out to the government and ensure that Osun has a functioning Safety Commission. This will empower us to implement emergency structures across local governments , complete with fire trucks, ambulances, and trained responders,” Dr. Udezi said.

He also announced that ISPON would begin a nationwide revalidation of safety officers and encourage non-members to register, adding that enforcement and consequence management will soon follow.

“We will be writing to companies asking them to bring their safety officers for compliance. Very soon, we’ll implement consequence management for defaulters,” he warned.

Dr. Udezi lamented the reactive nature of Nigeria’s emergency responses and urged both state and federal governments, especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prioritize proactive safety governance.

“Accidents are unplanned, but our response shouldn’t be. Emergency preparedness must be institutionalized,” he stressed.

In his address, Mr. Oyedele Wole, Chairman of the ISPON Osun State Branch Inauguration Committee, emphasized that occupational safety applies to everyone, including civil servants, artisans, and office workers.

“Our goal is to promote HSE practices that increase life expectancy, boost GDP, and enhance quality of life. The Osun branch will focus on compliance advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and encouraging the state to adopt clear safety policies,” he said.

He added that with ISPON’s presence now in Osun, local professionals will have greater access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities.

The inaugurated executives are; chairman, Mr. oyedele Isaac Oyewole; Vice Chairman, Adekanbi Olubunmi Oladunke; Secretary; Bada bolaji david; fin. secretary, olabode Oluwakemi Florence; PRO, Omotoso Abiola Grace; Auditor, Engr. Kola Olusola Oduniyi Member, Olugbenga Oso; member; Oladiran Thomas Olatunji; member, Manuwar Justus Ademuwagun.

19 members were also inducted which included;Aderinto Ibrahim, Ajayeoba Abiola Prof, Adenike Adewumi, Gbadamosi Akindeji Ismail, Ibraheem Musibau Adekunle, Abiola Tajudeen Oyetunji, Marvin Monye, Mrs. Gbadamosi Bolanle, Babatunde George Adeniran, Tasleem Adeyemi Hazat, Isola Roselyn, Muritala Oladayo Akeem, Kenneth Onwuka, Opara Kelechukwu, Odufuye ljeoma, Fajinmi Oluwayemisi, Imoh Akumdi.

The event, which featured the swearing-in of state executives, induction of new members, and award presentations, was attended by dignitaries and stakeholders across the South-West, including Mrs. Ibironke Ajayi, Fellow of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (FISPN) and board representative for the South-West.