How Hajiha Bola Muse Emerges ANLCA National Treasurer, Emenike Nwokeoji President
Bolaji Muse and Emenike Nwokeoji
By ALPHONSUS N. EFFI
The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) held their National executive meeting/NECOM elections on the 7th of September, 2023, at the Federal Place Hotel Auditorium, Victoria Island amidst all necessary decorum, pump and pageantry.
His Royal Highness Oba Aboyejo Ibidun, an astute member of ANLCA, who was among the dignitaries present, was the first to cast his vote and left because of tight schedules. Alloy Igwe, the secretary of ANLCA (Association) took the necessary recordings/proceedings of the day and at accreditation time, all the candidates were invited to the voting table among whom are, Chief Obiazuka Obioha, former president of (ANALCA), high Chief Isedor Aguoha, Mr Emilike Nwokocha, Prince Femi Odutan (V.P), Zonal Coordinator East, Prince Awamme (Lady chairman) of oil/gas, Chief Oye Ariyo (Odua Maritime), Chief Tope Ogungbemide – Representing ANLCA Consulate U.S.A branch Dr. Uche Onwuegbucha, Chief Awopetu – member board of trustees (ANLCA), Delegates from Kano (ANLCA), among many others.
The outgoing sole Administrator of ANLCA, Alhaji Babatunde Mukaila in his opening speech for the day recognized the presence of NEC, committee members present, chairman customs consultative committee, acting registrar, of ANLCA, AIG maritime police command and lots more.
He echoed in his speech the relevance of cooperation and unity among members to commemorate a new dawn in the annals of the Association of Freight Forwarders & Custom Brokers of Africa. He emphasized the need for understanding among members, cooperation and respect for the constitution of the Association to avoid unnecessary infighting, likewise, organizing a credible NECON election of this magnitude, will be a catalyst for the progress of the Association to full rebirth, reactivate her to the greater good of Nigeria licensed agents. Furthermore, he appealed to freight members to vote with conscientious minds to appoint able leaders to drive the Association forward.
Chairman Board of Trustees – Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha and the Association of Nigeria Customs licensed agents appealed to God Almighty for a safe landing as regards selfless service over time. The Customs consultative committee, according to him had tried to bring the Association to his noble end, of unity and progress. He thanked all and sundry especially the Cancerous Vice Chairman, according to him sacrosanct was a fact that the edifice of the National Secretariat was still intact, he further emphasized that today is a turning point in ANLCA. We have to blame ourselves, we have to change the ANLCA story and put things right, for 5 years They had fought with each other.
Thus, they have to reconcile and move the Association forward. He enthused that an organization formed in 1954, must be built solidly to make it a progressive forum, he pleaded and appealed for the Association to move forward and that whoever emerges as the new leader should endeavour to improve on its landmarks. Thus, he declared the NEC meeting open.
The Customs consultative committee chairperson, ARE AKIN OLARENWAJU, in his speech stressed that the C.C.C. were the peace brokers of the Association that enabled the association to thrive amidst all rancours, allowing them the enabling regulations that allowed decorum for growth by setting an attitudinal change that enhanced members of freight Association and Logistics like their European counterparts. Thus, he claimed freighters have to organize themselves to become custom brokers. It is high time to form a consortium to arrange their schedule of duties to move forward and improve their professional efforts. Hence, the idea is to appoint a leader who will make the Association great and work together/work as a team to improve the freight business in Africa/the World in general. Lastly, he appealed to freight members to vote with conscious minds and appoint able leaders to drive the Association forward.
At this juncture, NZE Alloy Igwe, the chairman electoral committee took over the podium to co-ordinate the election process. He enthused that it was not easy but with God on their side, including equity and justice, they will get it right regardless. Thus, 24 aspirants were summoned to contest for available offices in the Association, 2No for the office of President, 2No for the Office of Vice President, 3No aspirants for the office of National Secretary, 3No for the National Treasurer, 1No for the office of Asst. Financial Secretary, 2No for the Zonal Coordinator Office, West, Two officers were returned unopposed, Zonal Coordinator East, Mrs. Angela Chinyere and Alhaji Lamiu A. of the Northern Zonal office.
Eventually, after much wrangling, the results of the election were declared and the necessary winners emerged accordingly.
President: Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji,
Vice President: Prince Segun Oduntan,
National Secretary: Mr. Olumide Fakonlu,
Zonal Secretary West: Mr. Olumide Idowu,
National Treasurer: Hajia Bola Muse,
Western Coordinator: Femi Anifowoshe,
Zonal Coordinator East: Mr. Joshua Ohuam,
Zonal Secretary East: Mrs. Okenye Chineyere,
Zonal Coordinator North: Alhaji Lamiu Aliyu,
National Publicity Secretary: Mr. Emmanuel Onyemene.
The newly elected president Mr Emenike Nwokeoji in his remarks said; “My job is almost half done, it is exciting that we have winners from the two camps. So now that we are going to work together, the job is enormous. But with God, we will overcome. We need to, first of all, pursue peace, restore all that is lost in the association, and then we can move forward”, he said.
Nwokeoji emphasized that peace is the cornerstone for progress and growth within ANLCA, acknowledging that all stakeholders, including government agencies like; SON, NIMASA and Nigeria Customs were eager to collaborate and synergize for the betterment of the industry.
Mr Segun Oduntan, celebrated the end of a five-year crisis within ANLCA, declaring, “We are back together as one family. We are going to work together.”
Speaking also at the event, the Customs Consultative Council (CCC) Chairman, Aare Hakeem Olarewaju, who played a pivotal role in mediating the election process expressed optimism for the future. “It’s a new era, we should all embrace ourselves.” He equally encouraged all members of ANLCA to embrace one another, focusing on the collective progress of the association.
