SON shifts 50 years anniversary 2 times over sit-at-home order – DG
By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha
Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON, billed to hold at Martina Chukwuma Plaza, Nnewi, Anambra State, on 30th November 2022, was allegedly postponed two times in sequel to the sit-at-home order in the South East geo-political zone.
The SON Director General, DG/Chief Executive Officer, and CEO, Mallam Farouk A. Salim, made this disclosure to manufacturers and stakeholders when the anniversary eventually took place last weekend at the said venue in Nnewi.
“We apologize to you over the inconvenience and sudden shift from 30th November 2022 to 14th December 2022 and unfortunately again to 16th December, 2022, it was due to the sit-at-home order in the South East zone, but we thank God that finally, we are here celebrating it”, he stated.
The DG/CEO who was ably represented by a Director in SON,
Mr. Don Pedro Papanye Ebenezer, while expressing delight said that SON was the apex standization body in Nigeriia and responsible for the formation and establishment of standards relating to various products, commodities, measurements, processes, materials for the certifying of products in Nigeria commerce and industry.
He said that, “The mandate of SON is established in the SON Degree No. 56 of 1971, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which was signed into law by the former Head of State and Commander-in-Chief, General Yakubu Gowon, in 1971.
“The SON Act has undergone several amendments over the years, with the most recent being the amendment to repeal the SON Act, Cap, s9 laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 and enact the SON Act 2015”.
The SON boss expressed satisfaction that the organization earned a reputation as the foremost standardization body in Africa hinting that in a bid to achieve its mandate it has initiated several programs that include, Mandately Comformity Assessment Programme, (MANCAP), Voluntary Product Certification Scheme, Nigerian Quality Award Scheme, Product-Type Certification for Exports and SON Conformity Assessment Programme, to ensure that substandard products are apprehended.
It was gathered that under the leadership of Salim, SON’s organization structure was expanded to nine, that include, Regional Directorates and 13 Departments, with its corporate headquarters in Abuja and operational headquarters in Lagos and 48 State offices nationwide.
Commending SON for attaining the golden age, Mr. Ifenna Atuchukwu from Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Christy Obasi who representaed the Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps, Eri Robison who represented Nnewi Council Area of National Youth Service Corps, and Dr. Amaechi Chukwu of Chikason group of companies, all wished SON better years ahead.
Also the Igwe Orizu of Nnewi, Mr. Chikelu Chika, Commander of Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, represented by Ogunjiofor Alex, among others, expressed satisfaction with 50 years of SON and urged it not to relent in its bid to ensure quality products for good health to humanity.
Pic shows cutting of 50 years anniversary cake by SON personnel, manufacturers/state holders.
