Augusta Nkem C.

About

My doctoral research investigated the impacts of oil industry-related social exclusion on the health and well-being of the Niger Delta Region n Nigeria. Through a detailed explanatory framework, my study identifies five key domains of exclusion: loss of livelihoods, cultural erosion, breakdown of social cohesion, weak political representation, and lack of access to basic services. These interconnected domains elucidate how the oil industry disrupts traditional ways of life, leading to economic displacement, environmental degradation, and political marginalisation. The research employs a constructivist exploratory methodology, utilizing the Social Exclusion Knowledge Network (SEKN) framework to analyse participants' lived experiences. This approach captures the multidimensional nature of exclusion, including its economic, social, political, and cultural impacts. By adapting SEKN, the study provides insights into how systemic factors like weak governance, corruption, and inadequate environmental policies exacerbate exclusion, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental degradation and social disintegration. While my research does not specifically focus on psychosocial hazards, it reveals how these factors contribute to a broader cycle of exclusion. The findings highlight the need for inclusive, multi-dimensional interventions to address the root causes of social exclusion in oil-rich regions. These insights have significant implications for sustainable development and community resilience, offering valuable perspectives for enhancing health, safety, and environmental (HSE) practices. My professional journey began in 2010 as a safety officer when I worked with Geobet Services as a sub-contractor in Shell, Nigeria. Significantly in my career, in 2016, I co-founded Safety ITSS Nig Ltd, where I served as Health and Safety Consultant, Director, Inspector and Coach until 2018. My previous roles with no job gap between 2011 and 2015 include Lead Educator at Gennesaret Resources, Nigeria, Safety Trainer at Clevepronet, and Project Safety Officer at Daewoo Engineering & Construction Bayelsa. I have continuously engaged in professional development and achieved IOSH Chartered status in 2018. My professional certifications include ISO IMS Internal Auditing. (2024); NEBOSH HSE Introduction to Incident Investigation (2021), Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (2021), Certificate IV in Health and Safety (2020), First Aid Certificate (2020), Competence Tutors Certification from Oshacademy, USA (2014), International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from NEBOSH, UK (2010), and General and Advanced Certificates in Health and Safety, Nigeria (2009). My contributions to health and safety have been recognized with several awards, including the Exceptional South/South Professional Development Award from IOSH, UK (2018), the Best Welfare Executive Award from Nigeria International Students Association of UTM, Malaysia (2014), and the Excellent Safety Officer Award from Daewoo NIG Ltd, Nigeria (2012). My academic portfolio includes an unpublished master's thesis on 'Statistical Analysis of Accidents in Selected Nigerian Construction Industry' (2014) and an unpublished Higher National Diploma thesis on 'Industrial Conflicts: Causes and Effects on Organisational Productivity' (2004), along with four published journal papers. Published Journal paper, in press and preparing for submission. **** Nkem, C. A., Topp, M.S., Devine, S., Ogaji, D.S. (preparing for submission) "We Are Dying in Silence: The Untold Stories of Social and Political Exclusion in Ogoni's Oil-Rich Regions". • Nkem, C. A., Topp, M.S., Devine, S., Ogaji, D.S. (2024 in press). Economic Exclusion and the Health and Wellbeing Impacts of the Oil Industry in the Niger Delta Region: A Qualitative Study of Ogoni Experiences. (International Journal for Equity in Health). • Nkem, C. A., Topp, M.S., Devine, S., Ogaji, D.S. (2024 in press). Cultural Impacts of the Oil Industry on Ogoni: Exploring Residents' Perceptions and Experiences in the Niger Delta Region. (Plos Global Public Health Journal). • Nkem, C. A., Topp, M.S., Devine, S., Li, W.W. & Ogaji, D.S. (2022). Impact of oil industry-related social exclusion on community health and wellbeing in sub-Saharan African countries -a scoping review Manuscript ID: 858512: Frontiers Public Health Journal: Published • Nkem, N. A., Hassim, M.H. & Kidam, K. (2015). Relationship between unsafe acts/conditions and accidents in the construction industry. Jurnal Teknologi (Sciences & Engineering), 75(6), 73-77. I am dedicated to continuous learning and professional excellence.