The Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) has collaborated with the Nigerian Red Cross Society to convene the second phase of the training of fifty personnel of the Fund, selected from its various offices and work locations across the country.
At the Opening Ceremony of the five-day intensive coaching sessions on Monday, in Abuja, participants commended the training as an important policy effort of the Hajia Fatima Shinkafi-led management of the SMDF to create safety awareness in offices and industrial workplaces while prioritizing accident prevention.
The training, which also includes the impartation of knowledge of the Designated First Aider Course by officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, aims to ensure the preparedness of various SMDF personnel.
Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Hajia Fatima Umaru Shinkafi welcomed participants to the training, describing it as ‘very important.’ She said as an agency dedicated to serving the public, it is essential that the SMDF prepares its personnel to effectively respond to emergencies at any time.
The SMDF Boss, who spoke through the Head, Minerals and Project Development Department, SMDF, Dr. Martina Ananaba, said as a key player in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s diversification agenda and fulfilling the mandate of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake for the sector, it is essential that the SMDF strengthens its workforce to effectively manage emergencies, adding that it will help prevent avoidable deaths and ensure stability and productivity of its workforce.
According to the Executive Secretary, “the training will focus on crucial topics such as first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and emergency preparedness. These are skills that could save lives, and at the end of the training, participants are expected to have the confidence and capability to respond in critical situations.” She addressed participants, saying: “These are not just technical skills; they are life-saving skills. So, make the most of this opportunity to be better prepared for the unexpected.”
“Your role as staff members means you are often on the front lines, and the importance of being prepared cannot be overemphasized. Whether it is performing CPR, providing first aid in an emergency, or managing a disaster situation, the knowledge you gain during this training will empower you to act quickly and efficiently.”
“You can be in a position to offer help when it is needed most, and the knowledge you gain during this training will equip you with the confidence to act swiftly and effectively during emergencies.”
“Our ability to respond to emergencies not only impacts the safety of the communities we serve but also reflects the dedication and professionalism of our team.’
The Executive Secretary encouraged participants to engage fully, ask questions, share their thoughts and practice the skills they are learning, stating that the training is about empowerment – giving every participant the tools and confidence to be leaders in moments of crisis.
She charged participants to maximize the opportunity afforded by the training, saying: “You are expected to take full advantage of this opportunity and become even more prepared to meet the challenges we may face as we deliver on our mandate,” while thanking the Nigerian Red Cross Society for facilitating the training.
Head of Corporate Communications at the SMDF, Idowu Jokpeyibo described the training as a policy effort of the administration to create safety awareness among staff working in various work locations of the SMDF, adding that it will equip relevant personnel with knowledge needed to administer first aid in cases of emergencies before the arrival of medial teams.
The Head Trainer, Nigerian Red Cross Society, who is the Lead Instructor at the First Aider course training, Mr. Audu Goji said “the Course is an advanced life saving skill for designated first responders working at highly hazardous areas like mining and exploration sites, exploration industries, constriction sites and aviation industries,” adding that the course is designed to enable participants demonstrate high level of competence in all aspects of Emergency First Aid.
Discussing the various levels of knowledge to be imparted in the course of the training, the Head Trainer said Day One entails introduction and objectives of the course, emergency response methodologies, role of First Aider, Human Anatomy and Physiology while Day Two is set for impartation of knowledge on the Principles of First Aide; Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation (DRABCB), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AED), Choking/Drowning.
“On the third day of the training, participants will be exposed to what to do in situations of health emergencies like Asthma/Anaphylaxis, bleeding management, burns and scalds, as well as management of fractures.”
He said the fourth day of the training will be dedicated to analysis of head injuries and suspected spinal injury, shock, fainting, stroke, seizures, diabetes, epilepsy and poison while day five will discuss how to handle transportation related emergencies, stress, coping mechanism, practical simulations and scenarios.
