Mrs. Mercy Osato Omoifo-Irefo

— Chairman of the Board

Mrs. Mercy Osato Omoifo-Irefo is a distinguished Occupational Health and Safety specialist with over two decades of experience in industrial safety, environmental technology, and workplace health management. She currently serves as Senior Academic Staff at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Occupational Safety and Ergonomics at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Her academic journey reflects both excellence and perseverance. Mercy holds a Higher National Diploma in Industrial Safety and Environmental Engineering from PTI, a Professional Diploma in Safety and Security Management from Rivers State Polytechnic, and two master’s degrees — an MSc in Safety, Health, and Environmental Management from the University of South Wales and an MSc in Energy and Petroleum Economics from Delta State University, Abraka. She also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics at Delta State University.

Mercy’s career spans academia, industry, and leadership. She coordinates and heads the Fire Academy at PTI, where she played a key role in its establishment. Through this initiative, she has trained and mentored countless professionals in fire safety, occupational health, and emergency response management. Her innovative teaching and commitment to student success continue to shape the next generation of safety professionals across Nigeria.

As a former President (2020–2021) and current Area Director (2023–2026) of the American Society of Safety Professionals (Nigeria Chapter), Mercy’s influence extends globally. She is a Fellow of both the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) Nigeria and the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, and she holds several international certifications including OSHA (USA), ISO Lead Auditor, and Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety credentials.

Her ongoing doctoral research explores the development of personalized ergonomic solutions using wearable technology—a study aimed at reducing lower-back injuries and improving worker well-being across diverse industries.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mercy’s heart is anchored in faith, ministry, and service. As the daughter of a pastor, she has a deep understanding of the sacrifices pastors make for their congregations. This compassion drives her ongoing commitment to support pastors’ children through education, mentorship, and welfare initiatives. She sees her work with the Rev. Dr. Omo Amadasun Foundation as a divine extension of her father’s ministry—a calling to reach the needy, uplift pastors’ families, and help ministers’ children fulfill their potential through faith and education.

Responsibilities as Chair of the Board

As Chair, Dr. Omoifo-Irefo provides overall leadership and vision for the Foundation. She:

  • Presides over all board meetings, ensuring that decisions are prayerfully considered and align with the Foundation’s Christian mission.
  • Serves as the Foundation’s main spokesperson and ambassador in both Christian and public platforms.
  • Oversees board governance, ensuring accountability, transparency, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
  • Supports and guides executive members to implement programs effectively and faithfully.
  • Leads fundraising, partnership development, and donor relations to strengthen the Foundation’s reach and sustainability.
  • Provides final approval for senior staff recruitment and endorses the final list of sponsored beneficiaries after review and recommendations from the Program Coordinator.

Through her leadership, Dr. Mercy Omoifo-Irefo ensures that the Foundation remains steadfast to its mission—honoring Rev. Dr. Omo Amadasun’s legacy of faith, education, and compassion for those who serve God’s people.