The Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEHPON) has reaffirmed the essential role of media partnerships in promoting workplace safety, particularly within Nigeria’s informal workforce.
This emphasis was made during SOEHPON’s second annual virtual media conference, themed: “Amplifying Impact: The Role of the Media in Promoting Occupational Health Practices.”
According to Dr Charles Babajide Onigbogi, National Public Relations Officer of SOEHPON, the conference was aimed at strengthening collaboration between health professionals and the media in order to elevate occupational health initiatives and spread best practices across industries.
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Global Perspective on Media Engagement
Delivering the keynote address, Charlie Peckham, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), shared practical strategies for leveraging media to improve worker health and safety outcomes.
“Develop media toolkits—equip your clinic, department, or institution with essential, ready-to-use media resources that can be deployed swiftly when needed,” Peckham advised.
“Be proactive with storytelling. Don’t wait for a crisis or invitation—create newsworthy stories that demonstrate impact. And build strong relationships with journalists before breaking news hits.”
He also emphasised ethical communication, highlighting the need to counter misinformation, particularly around workplace health and safety.
Expanding Occupational Health to Informal Workers
In his remarks, SOEHPON President, Dr Musa Shaibu, reiterated the organisation’s 2024–2026 strategic objectives, which focus on extending occupational health awareness to Nigeria’s informal workforce, including bricklayers, mechanics, traders, and artisans.
“These workers are the backbone of our economy, yet they remain largely unprotected. To change this, we need strategic partnerships—between SOEHPON, the media, workers, and the government.”
Dr Shaibu emphasised that the success of occupational health initiatives hinges on awareness creation, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, particularly through the media.
Inauguration of SOEHPON Media Excellence Awards
The event also marked the announcement of the SOEHPON Media Excellence Awards—an annual recognition initiative to honour journalists and media professionals who contribute significantly to public awareness of occupational and environmental health in Nigeria.
According to organisers, the awards will reward outstanding reporting and advocacy that promotes safer and healthier work environments across all sectors.
Interactive Dialogue and Stakeholder Engagement
The conference, which brought together media professionals, SOEHPON members, and representatives from ACOEM, featured a robust Q&A session moderated by Lanre Ajayi, fostering meaningful dialogue on how media narratives can shape public perception and policy action on occupational health.