By Brown Chimezie
Oscar Odogwu, the President of the Balogun Business Association (BBA/ICC) Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State, recently reflected on his first year in office.
During the period, he has navigated numerous challenges facing the traders in the complex, implementing key initiatives to improve orderliness, discipline, and the overall market environment.
His leadership, stakeholders note, has been instrumental in addressing long-standing issues and he shared how these efforts have positively impacted both the traders and the wider community.
Journey so far
Actually, to the glory of God, it has been progressing, but at the same time, too, it has been quite challenging. Given the circumstances that we came on board, the Old Caretaker Committee (CTC), which is the Caretaker Committee that was in place when we came in, are still running from pillar to post, from one police station to the other, trying everything possible to make sure that they frustrate our efforts or try to return again. I don’t even know what they are seeking because they just had only two months, having spent close to 3 years in office before we took over after a protracted legal tussle. And the court finally ruled that we were the legitimate persons to steer the affairs of the complex.
So, to the glory of God, on the 22nd, we shall roll out the drums to celebrate one year in office as the president of this market association with notable achievements.
Achievements
In all parts of the market, as I speak, there is discipline and orderliness. We cleaned up the environment by providing parking spaces for vehicles. We have solar-powered street lights. Virtually, when you come here at night, everywhere is well illuminated. So, we actually brought decorum in the complex and a sense of direction, and more customers are actually patronizing us this time around.
Yes, you can see that our drainages are clear now. We clean up the drainages. Formerly, each time it rained, roads leading to the market were flooded. But now, after a few minutes, the water will just recede without any havoc. So, this is a notable achievement because for years that we have been at the complex, it has been very hard for us each time it rains. But now, we have overcome that problem, and work is in progress to ensure that we maintain the current standard of zero flooding at the market.
Addressing power outage crisis
Actually, when we came on board, for six years, the complex was without light as it was disconnected from the power grid. We had to go into partnership with Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKDC) on how to restore steady power to the market.
After a series of meetings, the backlog of debt owed EKDC was cleared. The result is what you are witnessing today, as steady electricity has been restored to the market complex. We are now on band B and enjoy up to 18 hours of electricity supply.
Security
When a good leader comes on board, his first task would be to rejig the security apparatus, which we did and it is still very effective. We have Dark 1A security on board and they have been up and doing. We were able to bust the syndicate that specializes in breaking and entry within the market. They were nabbed and are now cooling their feet in Kirikiri prisons.
So, as we arrested the gang leader and about six of them, we abolished touting inside the market. You can never see any layabout in the market. Anybody coming inside the complex must be gainfully employed or have something reasonable to do; if not, we rusticate you from the complex. And there is no more place for them to hide because all the shanties and black spots have been demolished, and that’s actually why we are enjoying this decorum. So, security-wise, we advise our people to install jam lock keys in their shops and warehouses. For the fact that we installed solar lights in the nooks and crannies of the market, it assists the security operatives at night. So, it would be difficult for anybody to come here at night to burgle shops. So, security is top-notch right inside the complex.
Relationship with the government
We parley well. At the same time, I want to thank the Executive Director of the Trade Fair Management Board, in person of Barrister Veronica Ndanusa. She is an amazing woman. You can see that she is performing excellently within the complex. One of the things she has done is to ensure the welfare of the Trade Fair complex. She also brought in the chairman of the House Committee on Trade to the complex, and they have promised to take care of the 5-kilometer road within the complex, which is something we have been aspiring for a long time.
She was also able to bring back the annual international trade fair to its original site. The trade fair only took place there about 14 years ago. So, the trade fair, which started on the 15th of November and ends on the 26th, is ongoing. These are things that are credited to her.
She was also able to bring in the Minister of Trade to officially open the fair on the 15th. Through this, we have gotten an appointment with the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Soon, we are going to meet him in order to table what we think will be of benefit to the state and the complex. So, we are partners with the government in job creation and poverty eradication. Definitely, the government cannot play with such a place, and I believe the government will live up to expectations.
Returning the International Trade Fair to its permanent site and impact on business at BBA
Definitely, millions of people will come to know that we are here. When they visit the fair, they will also branch here to see what we also have in stock. Virtually, we sell everything. We have Balogun, ASPAMDA, Mandilas, the Jewelry market, and other articles shops. Definitely, it would boost sales and make people know us better.
What are some challenges you have faced within the one year of your administration?
I wouldn’t say that there are many challenges, but somehow, a challenge is a challenge, and one challenge can amount to many others. But somehow, we have tried in every way possible to contain it.
Most of the challenges are man-made, which you know, we have to stand up to. In fact, that’s what makes a man a leader. When challenges come, your ability to surmount them makes you a successful person. So, we are trying our best to keep going and to keep our head above water.
Engaging youths in sports competition
Actually, we planned on having a football competition this year, but due to the fact that things are jam-packed and we are yet to settle down, we have to let the youths know that from next year, we shall inaugurate a yearly football tournament. Through this means, we will be able to fish out talents in sports and entertainment.
Surviving harsh economic environment
We are traders; somehow, we are adjusting to survive the hard times. Because most of our goods are imported, it is difficult to procure forex for our transactions. It also affects us in that the purchasing power is reduced. By and large, we have continued to adjust where necessary to ensure that we remain in business.