Nigeria’s leading electricity distribution company, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), has won the 2018 SERAS Innovation Prize at the SERAS Awards, held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, last weekend.
The company bagged the prestigious award, in a category that focused on innovative and sustainable ideas with positive environmental impact on society, which was keenly contested by Union Bank Plc, ISON BPO, Access Bank and Data Jaja.
Ikeja Electric, which made its first appearance at the prominent awards, was nominated in three categories: Best Corporate Communications Team, Best Stakeholder Engagement and Sera’s Prize for Innovation.
According to the organisers of the event, Ikeja Electric won the Innovation Award as a result of its innovative approach to promote electrical safety standard among staff, contractors, customers and the general public through the introduction of its proprietary game POWERPLAY©.
While receiving the award, the Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Felix Ofulue, noted that Ikeja Electric has evolved to become the pacesetter and the game-changer in the nation’s power sector. He lauded the organisers for a transparent exercise.
He said: “We are proud to have won in this category, especially as the award brings recognition to our sincere efforts at ensuring that people understand the dangers of electrical hazards. Our board game, PowerPlay, which was the basis for this victory is endorsed and well received by stakeholders.”
He stressed further that the objective of the game was to inculcate the culture of using creative communication such that as the game is played, knowledge is passed along. The game highlights violations in the sector and also calls to attention common hazards in the domestic place, with the overall aim of preventing and reducing accidents.
“It is in line with our strategy which guides our communication such that our messaging is passed across effectively and creatively to ensure customers are enlightened. This award also testifies to the positive impact we are making on the society in the terms of safety and welfare.
“While I will admit that there is still much to be done in our sector and by us, the various awards and recognition we have received this year is a testament that we are taking the right steps in the right direction,” Ofulue concluded.
The POWERPLAY© is the company’s proprietary board game designed to educate people on safety measures. The Board game, which can accommodate up to six (6) players is an ‘edutainment’ tool, providing critical information relating to electrical hazards and safety measures that can prevent loss of life and property.
In another development, a body established to promote professionalism and best practices in emergency, crisis, disaster and safety, Environmental Risk Management Institute has recognised Ikeja Electric as Most Responsive HSE/ Emergency Management Company in the power sector.
The award was presented to the company as part of the 3rd Annual National Emergency/ Disaster Managers Conference, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference and Exhibition Center on November 30, 2018. The event brought together stakeholders and experts with interest in the safety and environment sector.
