Ehi Iden
Occupational Health and Safety Managers
Ehi Iden- Member of the Business Council for Emerging Markets
Ehi Iden is a luminary in the field of Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellbeing Management Consulting. As the Chief Executive Officer of Occupational Health and Safety Managers, he has steered the company to become a beacon of excellence in the industry, particularly within emerging markets. His career, spanning over 23 years, began not by choice but by a serendipitous encounter with the field, sparking a passion that has defined his professional journey.
Iden’s educational background is both diverse and rich, providing a strong foundation for his career. With a diploma in Library and Information Science, a degree in Mass Communication, and advanced qualifications in Occupational Health and Safety Management, Mental Health and Counselling, Project Management, and Food Safety, his academic achievements are extensive. Currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Workplace Health and Wellness Promotion, Iden is committed to advancing his expertise and contributing to the field.
Throughout his career, Iden has spearheaded key projects and initiatives that have marked significant milestones in his journey. Notably, he managed a country-wide Perceived Stress and Health Assessment project for a renowned bank in Nigeria and designed and managed a site clinic for a prominent telecommunications company. These projects, among others, have contributed to his reputation as a leader in his field.
One of Iden’s most notable accomplishments is the establishment of OSHAfrica, a network of African Occupational Health and Safety Professionals, which now boast of members in about 40 African countries. This achievement underscores his dedication to enhancing the occupational health and safety profession across the continent.
The industry has evolved significantly since Iden began his career, with technology growth and the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating changes and creating new sub-specialties. Despite the challenges, including the absence of national occupational health and safety legislation in Nigeria and the undervaluation of professionals in the field, Iden remains optimistic about the future. He envisions the industry expanding further, building on its current valuation of 5 billion USD.
Iden is particularly excited about the potential for healthcare automation to revolutionize the field, although he notes that technological advancements in safety could progress more rapidly. His advice to newcomers is to focus on learning, mentorship, and specialization, cautioning against entering the field with the sole aim of making quick money.
Facing setbacks and challenges with a positive attitude and a focus on what is within his control, Iden exemplifies resilience and a balanced approach to work and life. While he may not have had role models when he first entered the field, he has since found inspiration in the community he helped build.
Outside of his professional life, Iden enjoys traveling, reading, and listening to root rock reggae music, reflecting his diverse interests and his appreciation for culture and relaxation.
Ehi Iden’s journey is a testament to the impact that passion, dedication, and continual learning can have on one’s career and on the industry at large. As a member of the International Trade Council’s Emerging Markets Business Council, he continues to inspire and lead by example, driving forward the occupational health and safety sector toward a brighter and more innovative future.