By Isqil Najim
The Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE) has honored its immediate past National Chairman, Engr Akaninyene Ekong, for his exceptional contributions to Safety Engineering at the Distinguished Safety Engineering Lecture, DSEAL. held on 28th September 2024 at Watbridge Hotel and Suites, IBB Avenue Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Engr Seun Faluyi, the current National Chairman, praised Ekong’s exemplary career trajectory and his significant achievements in both the field and academic environment. Ekong recently bagged a Professorial Chair in Safety & Disaster Management from Highstone Global University USA, making him the first Nigerian on record to be a Professor of Safety & Disaster Management.
“With a very accomplished career as a Project Operations Safety Advisor at ExxonMobil, he has set standards of excellence that many aspire to. Those who have had the privilege of working alongside him have attested to his dedication, his expertise, and his visionary leadership. His colleagues, both past and present, speak of him with great respect, a testament to his leadership and expertise.
“Through his journey, he has motivated countless individuals to broaden their horizons and aspire to even greater heights in their careers. His research, particularly into safety issues within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, has been published in reputable international journals, earning him critical acclaim and his being awarded a professorship on an accelerated basis.” Faluyi said.
With a very accomplished career as a Project Operations Safety Advisor at ExxonMobil, he has set standards of excellence that many aspire to.-Seun Faluyi
Prof. Ekong’s leadership in the NISafetyE has been truly transformative. He championed the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the NISafetyE. The chapter was a vibrant and energetic chapter under his leadership and became a beacon for other chapters to follow. He subsequently went on to become the National Chairman.
According to Faluyi, Ekong’s tenure as National Chairman was profound as he worked tirelessly to shape the safety landscape in Nigeria. He expanded the institution’s footprint across the country, inaugurating more chapters and spreading its reach to at least 5 geo-political zones.
Ekong fostered strong relationships with other safety organizations and driving the development of standards and the NISafetyE’s Approved Code of Practice for Construction Safety. This significant achievement has the potential to revolutionize the practice of construction on a national scale.
Beyond his academic and industry contributions, Ekong has been a tireless advocate for safety engineering in Akwa Ibom State. His instrumental efforts led to the production of a bill (Now an Act) for a Safety Commission in the state, as well as his significant contributions to the establishment of the State’s Infrastructure Commission.
An engineer with passion for culture and traditional values, Akaninyene’s deep love for his home community are evident in his commitment to promoting Akwa Ibom’s cultural values and traditions. His respect for traditional rulers and his active involvement in community events highlight his integral role and influence within his community.
The Distinguished Safety Engineer’s Annual Lecture is an honored tradition of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the NISafetyE. It is a celebration that underscores the essence of excellence and dedication, reserved for those who have not only excelled in their field of engineering but have also made substantial contributions to the profession and society at large. It is a prestigious event that holds annually, recognizing the rare individuals among us who have distinguished themselves as leaders and pioneers.
“We are proud to hold this year’s Distinguished Safety Engineer’s Annual Lecture in his (Engr Akaninyene’s) honour.” Faluyi concluded.
Also speaking at the event, Vanessa Phala-Moyo, the ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, delivered a goodwill message commending Governor Umo Eno for his safety policies in Akwa Ibom State. She expressed condolences on the passing of his wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, and highlighted the positive developments in the state, as noted in a letter from the Immediate Past National Chairman of NISafetyE, Engr. Prof. Akaninyene Ekong.
Engr (Prof) Ekong also delivered a lecture on “Integrating Safety and Disaster Risk Management in Sustainable Infrastructural Development: The Akwa Ibom State Perspective”. He spoke passionately on the need to merge safety practices with disaster risk management for sustainable infrastructural development.
The event has the full support of H.E. Pastor Umo Eno – Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Dr. Akon Eyakenyi – Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong – Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Some of the dignitaries in attendance are: Senator Ekong Sampson – He represents Eket Senatorial District; HRM Edidem Sylvanus Okon – Paramount Ruler of Uyo; ILO Country Director for Nigeria , Liberia, Ghana and Sierre Leone – Dr Vanessa Phala- Moyo; Obong Ide Owodiong Idemeko – Chairman Akwa Ibom State Investment Promotion Company; Pastor Samuel Effiong – Senior Pastor Glory World International Gospel Centre; Engr Seun Faluyi – National Chairman NISafetyE and the Exco. Others are the Chairmen of NSE Branches Engr Emem Eziekel – Uyo Branch, Engr Edima Ekanem – Eket Branch, Engr Benedict Edenseting – Oron Branch; Senior Special Assistants to the Governor, President Ohaneze Ndigbo in Akwa Ibom- Hon K Chidiadi among others
Akaninyene Edet Ekong is a renowned Nigerian safety expert who recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Nigerian on record to hold a Professorial Chair in Safety & Disaster Management from Highstone Global University USA. With a strong academic background and extensive experience in the field, Ekong has made significant contributions to safety engineering in Nigeria.
Ekong is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and holds memberships in various professional organizations, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, and the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria. He has also served as a reviewer of international research journals and is a Senior Lecturer at Highstone Global University, where he teaches and supervises students in the fields of Marine operations, Occupational Health Safety Environment, and Disaster Management.