In what seemed like a twist of fate, the two factional Chairmen of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Tincan Island chapter, Mr. Ojo Peter Akintoye and Mojeed Akanni Mohammed have resolved to bury their differences and give their support to the Chairmanship aspirant in the forthcoming ANLCA chapter election, Prince Olawale Cole.
Mr. Ojo Peter Akintoye who made the declaration during the campaign flag off put together by Prince Olawale Cole at Tincan Island Port on Friday said, “On behalf of Mojeed Akanni, we have agreed that Wale Cole is our incoming Chairman”, while begging members of the association to come out en masse on the day of election and cast their vote for Prince Olawale Cole.
Akintoye who doubles as the Vice President of the Oodua Maritime Forum underscored the need for reconciliation and unity within the chapter even as he regretted the challenges posed by years internal crisis in the chapter and called for all hands to be on deck to support Wale Cole to emerge as Chairman.
“For over 15 years, we’ve witnessed factions and conflicts that have held us back. Now, we must unite and ensure our members no longer suffer. I am pleading with everyone to participate in the election and support Prince Wale Cole,” Akintoye pleaded.
Describing Prince Wale Cole’s aspiration as a new dawn for ANLCA at Tincan Island chapter, another factional Chairman, Alhaji Mojeed Akanni Mohammed expressed strong optimism about the future of the chapter and applauded the aspirant’s vision and leadership acumen.
He said, “Today, we welcome a new thing; a new candidate and a new dawn. I pray for your success and urge you to lead inclusively. This is not about a winner-takes-all approach but about building a united chapter,” he said.
Also speaking, one of the Patrons of ANLCA, Prince Taiye Oyeniyi who also endorsed Cole’s candidacy, reflected on the chapter’s importance to the association and the need for collaborative leadership saying, “Tincan is our home, and we must protect it. As someone who has been in this position before, I am confident that Wale Cole will bring the change we need.”
In his address at the event, Prince Olawale Cole outlined his vision to transform the chapter into a hub of innovation, efficiency, and inclusiveness.
According to him, his aspiration was rooted in the desire to build a united, efficient, and forward-looking chapter where every member thrives and where integrity and innovation drive engagements.
Presenting his action plan for the chapter, he maintained that his attention would be focused on growth and competitiveness, stability and security, advocacy and inclusive representation, and healthcare outreach.
He pledged to modernize the association’s secretariat to international standards, implement digital systems for streamlined operations, and collaborate with Lagos State initiatives to create jobs and enhance skillsets for members.
Harping on the importance of enhancing security measures and working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to simplify procedures, reduce delays, and minimize operational costs for members, Prince Cole promised to champion policies that will benefit all stakeholders and foster mutual respect among customs brokers.
On healthcare, Cole committed to providing free periodic health checks for members, describing health as a fundamental right.
Highlight of the event was the launch of Prince Olawale Cole Maritime Foundation to cater for the needs of maritime professional. Some stakeholders including the President of Oodua Maritime Forum, Chief Oye Ariyo, Prince Taiye Oyeniyi, Ojo Peter Akintoye, Alhaji Mojeed Akanni Mohammed among others donated generously to support the new Foundation.
Photo: Patron of ANLCA, Prince Taiye Oyeniyi 2nd left) President of Oodua Maritime, Chief Oye Ariyo, former chairman of ANLCA Tin Can chapter, Alhaji Mojeed Akanni (1st right) and other top leaders of the association at the campaign flag-off of Prince Olawale Cole at Tin Can Port on Friday
Send your press invite, news, press releases/articles to augustinenwadinamuo@yahoo.com. Also, follow us on Twitter @PrimetimeRepor1 and on Facebook on facebook.com/primetimereporters or call the editor on 07030661526.
