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The Association of Nigeria Tyre Marketers (ANTM) has inaugurated a new executive to lead the association in the next four years.
After 20 years of meritorious service as president of the ANTM and pioneer Chief Executive Officer of Africa Tyre Village (ATV), Alhaji Issa Mohammed Akanbi, recently bowed out of office in a ceremony attended by many stakeholders from the market sector, Trade Fair Complex community and within the tyre industry.
At the inauguration of the new executive members, Okechukwu Ezeifeoma received the mantle of office to lead the union for the next four years as its president, while Issa Akanbi retired back to his full trading business.
In his address, Ezeifeoma, who was the deputy and vice president under the Issa Akanbi administration, extolled the rare qualities and legacies of his boss, which he said are deeply rooted in discipline, transparency, tolerance, humility, hard work and 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.”
The outgoing secretary, Christian Maduchukwu, noted that the inauguration was the first transition of administration since the establishment of Africa Tyre Village, 12 years ago.
“The emergence of Okechukwu Ezeifeoma as the best man for the job that can sustain the high standards laid down by his predecessor is, therefore, not a coincidence. His leadership prowess, foresightedness and humble spirit cannot be disputed as pointed out by Akanbi,” he said.
In his speech, Akanbi noted that the combined efforts of his vice and executive members led to the stabilisation of the union, which is standing strong and contributing to the growth of the market and the economy. He also listed Africa Tyre Village among his biggest achievements.
“In February 2006, I was elected president of our union with an individual who was loyal, believed in my abilities and vision, Mr. Okechukwu Ezeifeoma, as my deputy. We suffered together and sacrificed so much to see the union through her difficult moments to the present state.
“After stabilising the market and restoring discipline, my assistant, being an importer, alerted me that our control on shop rents at Idumota was not sustainable because our number kept increasing everyday which could result in scarcity, hence, we decided to relocate. To God be the glory, we relocated and became shop owners here in Africa Tyre Village on January 20, 2014. It was so difficult that some of our members went back to the Island, but I and my executive members were able to stabilise the market,” Akanbi said.
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 the oath of office included Abiodun Oyenuga as vice president, Lateef Olawale, general secretary and Olatunji Kayode, as treasurer.
