SOEHPON South-South Chairman Unveils Digital Health Agenda, Announces Inaugural Scientific Conference
By Cynthia Okere, Lagos
The newly inaugurated leadership of the South-South Zone of the Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEHPON) has pledged to strengthen professional collaboration, research and innovation in addressing occupational and environmental health challenges across the region.
Chairman of the zone, Dr Nsikak-Abasi Ntia, outlined the priorities in his inaugural address following the appointment of the caretaker executives by the Society’s National Executive Council.
Ntia said the new leadership would work towards building a stronger professional community through knowledge sharing, continuous learning, research, advocacy and evidence-based occupational health practice.
He noted that the South-South occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economy because of the concentration of energy, maritime, manufacturing and logistics activities in the region.
According to him, the scale of industrial activities also presents occupational and environmental health challenges that require effective professional leadership and multidisciplinary collaboration.
“The South-South Zone occupies a unique position within Nigeria’s economic and industrial landscape,” Ntia said.
He added that the opportunities and challenges associated with activities in the region require evidence-based practice and stronger partnerships among professionals and relevant industries.
Inaugural Scientific Conference
As part of the new leadership’s programme, Ntia announced plans for the zone’s inaugural scientific session, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Renaissance Club, Renaissance Residential Area, Port Harcourt.
The conference will have the theme, “Digital Transformation in Occupational and Environmental Health.”
Ntia said discussions would focus on the growing application of technology to occupational and environmental health, including digital surveillance systems, health analytics, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, workforce monitoring and innovations in emergency response.
The programme is expected to feature keynote addresses, technical presentations, professional networking and a practical worksite visit aimed at connecting scientific discussions with workplace application.
According to the chairman’s address, expected participants and speakers include representatives of remote healthcare equipment providers, helicopter emergency medical services providers, Mr Thomas Pols and SOEHPON National President, Dr Musa Shaibu.
The emphasis on digital transformation also comes as SOEHPON prepares for its 2026 Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, whose theme centres on digital transformation and artificial intelligence in occupational and environmental health practice in Africa.
Zone Plans Continuing Professional Development
Ntia also announced that the South-South Zone would organise webinars and other virtual engagements after the scientific session as part of efforts to promote continuing professional development.
The programmes are expected to provide practitioners with opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration irrespective of their locations, with details of the topics, schedules and registration to be announced subsequently.
He called on specialists, academics, researchers, industry practitioners and early-career physicians within the zone to participate actively in the Society’s programmes.
“The strength of SOEHPON lies not only in the expertise of its members but also in our collective commitment to a shared purpose,” he said.
Ntia said the new executives would seek to position the South-South Zone as a centre for professional excellence, innovation and measurable impact in occupational and environmental health.
He added that greater collaboration, mentorship, research and advocacy would help improve worker wellbeing, workplace safety and environmental sustainability across the region.
SOEHPON formally inaugurated its South-South Zonal Interim Executive Committee on June 5, 2026, as part of efforts to expand and strengthen the professional body’s activities across Nigeria.