Otuaro Inaugurates First E-Library On Occupational And Health Safety In Nigeria 

The Delta state Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro has commissioned the first Occupational Health and Safety Electronic Library for American Society of Safety Professionals, ASSP, Nigeria Chapter and a New Office Space donated by the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, Delta State.

The ceremony held on Saturday 19th of June, 2021, had Prof Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, Vice-Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka – Delta State as the Special Guest of Honour and Dr. Henry Adimula, Chief Executive, Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, Delta State as the Chief Host.

The Electronic Library project was conceived by Mrs. Mercy Omoifo-Irefo led executive of 2020-2021 ASSP, Nigeria Chapter to provide reliable source of information for Occupational Safety and Health Professionals, students, researchers and corporate organizations in the ever developing technologies, innovative world and new methods of carrying out diverse tasks.

While the new office space donated to the association by PTI and already furnished by the 2020- 2021 executives of ASSP-Nigeria Chapter, is to provide a befitting administrative office for ASSP, to promote the corporate image of safety professionals.

In a speech delivered by the host of the ceremony, who doubles as the President of 2020-2021 ASSP Nigeria Chapter, Mrs. Mercy Omoifo-Irefo, while requesting for financial support to complete the 30% of the project, acknowledged that having an Electronic Library on occupational safety shall serve as gateways to acquiring knowledge and culture which libraries play as a fundamental role in every society.

She posited that resources and services the e-library shall offer will create opportunities for learning, support literacy and education, and also help shape the new ideas and perspectives that are central to a creative and innovative society.

Having this, Mrs. Omoifo-Irefo further said that this will help in the growth and development of occupational health and safety professionals by providing authentic and reliable source of information for researchers.

The President also noted that the fast pace of technological advancement and new methods of carrying out diverse tasks, has enhanced the need for an e-library solely owned by safety professionals that shall aid them in learning and expanding knowledge, and having it digitalized will bridge the gap of physical limits.

She also noted that it is hoped that this gesture shall make a lot of desired differences within the Profession and the Professionals.

While Deputy Governor Otuaro commended the effort of the ASSP in this feat and promised to provide the necessary assistance needed to complete the remaining part of the project, the Special Guest of Honour of the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga also promised that his institution shall also give every technical and professional support to make sure the e-library is of a State of Art standard.

At high point of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving personalities that have contributed immensely to the success of this e-library project, amongst whom were Deacon (Barr.) Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Governor of Delta state, Dr. Henry Adimula, Chief Executive of PTI Effurun, Prof. Andy Egwuyenga, Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka.

Others were Prince Enahoro Erijoh, Media Consultant, ASSP NC, Mr Richard Obashi. Director of Library and Information Technology and Mr Ajokpeoghene. O. Brown. Deputy Director, Public Affairs both of Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun – Delta state.