Tyre marketers extol achievements of retiring president

…As Ezeifeoma succeeds Isaa Akanbi for four-year term

After 20 years of meritorious service as President of the Association of Nigeria Tyre Marketers, and pioneer Chief Executive Officer of Africa Tyre Village, Issa Mohammed Akanbi last Thursday, bowed out of office in a glamorous ceremony attended by many stakeholders from the market sector, Trade Fair Complex Community, and within the tyre industry.

The occasion, which was the official handing over and inauguration of the newly elected executives of ANTM, led by Okechukwu Ezeifeoma who received the mantle of office to lead the union for the next four years as its president, while Akanbi retires back to his full trading business.

In his acceptance speech, Ezeifeoma, who was deputy and vice president under the Issa Akanbi administration, extolled the rare qualities and legacies of his boss, which he said were deeply rooted in discipline, transparency, tolerance, humility, hard work, generosity, among many other virtues.

“Sir, I learnt a whole lot from you and I promise to maintain and build on all your legacies. It is hard to believe that any moment from now, we will start addressing you as our former president. But that has become necessary because of time and progress. May God continue to bless and keep you for us in good health and long life,” he said.

Christian Maduchukwu, outgoing secretary, in his remarks said that the inauguration was the first transition of government since the establishment of Africa Tyre Village 12 years ago.

Maduchukwu described Ezeifeoma as the best man for the job and as one who can sustain the high standards laid down by his predecessor.

In his address, the outgoing president, Issa Akanbi said: “In February 2006, I was elected president of our union with an individual who believed in my abilities, shared my visions, and was completely loyal to me, Okechukwu Ezeifeoma as my vice. We suffered together and sacrificed so much to see the union through its difficult moments. After stabilising the market and restoring discipline, my vice being an importer alerted me that our control on shop rents at Idumota was not sustainable because our number kept growing everyday which can result to scarcity. Hence, we decided to relocate. To God be the glory, we relocated and became shop owners here in Africa Tyre Village on 20th January 2014. It was so difficult such that some of our members went back to the Island, but my exco members and I were able to stabilise the market.”

Despite the differences in tongues and faith, Akanbi also noted that no religious or tribal crisis was recorded throughout the 12 years of ATV’s existence.

Other members of the new executive committee who took oath of office include Abiodun Oyenuga as vice president; Lateef Olawale, general secretary, and Olatunji Kayode as treasurer.