IOSH West Africa Launch- ‘A unique moment’

22 January saw Chief Executive Bev Messinger, take to the stage at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, to share IOSH’s vision in its West African Launch.

The day drew business leaders from West Africa and beyond, with some travelling from the wider continent to attend this sold-out event.

The event gained media attention with broadcast, radio and print journalists eager to interview keynote speakers for the event: ‘Shaping the Future of Safety and Health in Nigeria’.

Attendees took to social media to show their support of this ground-breaking event, flooding the hashtag #IOSHWA2020, which united attendees, documenting key moments from the day-long event.

An attendee stated:

“If this number of persons could gather to brainstorm about the future of health and safety in Nigeria then I’ll say we are indeed ready to take on every challenge associated with the future of work health safety. #IOSH WAS2020 #SafetyFirst #ohs”.

Whilst another described it as: “A unique moment when Government, State Representatives and Business Leaders gather to shape the future of a region.”

This ‘unique’ event came just a day after IOSH Chief Executive, Bev Messinger and Head of Strategic Engagement, Alan Stevens met with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Nigeria, in a collaborative meeting to see how IOSH can support the National Nigeria plan, which is supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Chief Executive Bev Messinger stated:

“It (The West Africa Conference) epitomised everything we are trying to achieve in WORK 2022 we enhanced and inspired a vibrant group of professionals, we collaborated and influenced everyone who is anyone involved in health and safety in Lagos and Nigeria, including very senior government officials. 

I am confident that the investment here will pay dividends to advance our charitable aims, increase our membership and bring commercial success.” 

The event which also marked the launch of the No Time to Lose Campaign in the region continues to make headlines across the continent, after receiving support from the Federal Government and the Lagos State safety commission, in what will set the mark for IOSH’S presence in West Africa, as it makes plans for the future.