The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has revealed the national qualifiers for the 11th annual essay competition organized by the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO). These five outstanding individuals have been selected to represent Nigeria at the continental level:
– Oguejiofor Nkemakonam Anthony, University of Lagos
– Bosede Oyola David, University of Ibadan
– Jimoh Marian, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
– Akinola Oluwafemi Semiire, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
– Abdulganiu Abdulwasiu Olanrewaju, Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare
The Director General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, emphasized that the competition is not only about winning but also about instilling the values of standardisation in the youth, who are the future leaders. He urged continual diligence from the assessors and screening committee members, expressing hope that these representatives will be winners at the continental level and make Nigeria proud.
Dr. Okeke emphasized the significance of standardisation in ensuring consistency, reliability, and quality assurance in products and services. He highlighted the theme of this year’s competition, “Empowering Consumers through Standardisation to Achieve their Rights to Safe Quality Goods and Services,” underscoring the pivotal role of standardisation in consumer empowerment and development acceleration.
He commended the efforts of the committee members and emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about standardisation’s potential to enhance lives, the economy, and the environment. He stressed the need for collaboration among government, industry, and civil society stakeholders to uphold consumers’ fundamental rights to safe quality goods and services.
The Inter-ministerial Screening Committee, comprising members from various government agencies including the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Consumer Protection Commission, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, FCCPC, National Human Rights Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and SON as the Secretariat, played a crucial role in the selection process.
