By Maduka Nweke
The newly elected President of the Estate Rent and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAAN), Mr. Godwin Alenkhe, has pledged to reposition the Association and confront key challenges facing the real estate sector. He outlined his administration’s commitment to tackling the surging cost of rent, the acute housing shortage, rising prices of building materials, and the prohibitive mortgage interest rates that hinder many Nigerians from owning homes.
In his acceptance speech after the election, Alenkhe pledged that his administration will carry out a total overhaul of the operational and administrative structure of the association by proposing a 10-year development plan for ERCAAN to cover lost grounds.
“Our administration shall embark on training and building up the human development capacity of our members through partnerships with institutions, and also set up Real Estate Academies for all states, leading to certification for global recognition. We shall commence the process of membership identification through e-registration that will be uploaded directly on our existing website.
“This administration shall embark on advocacy and enlightenment to correct the bad impression of our members and the real estate practitioners. We shall partner with genuine stakeholders and the government in addressing the issue of home shortages, the astronomical increase in rental properties, and the cost of building materials. As a responsible association, we shall devise means of assisting Nigerians to obtain loans for rental properties and also advocate for subsidies for those seeking to buy their permanent homes,” he said.
Alenkhe acknowledged that there was a division in the association but observed that the day’s election moment signifies the end of division and the beginning of a new era of cooperation and collective progress. He said that the election paves the way for a stronger, more representative ERCAAN, better equipped to advocate for the interests of estate agents across Nigeria.
He said that the unified association is poised to drive industry growth, promote best practices, and provide enhanced support to its members.
“Today’s election is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration. The election, which was conducted by members of the National Caretaker Committee/Electoral Board led by Mr. Lanre Afolayan and a host of others, saw Mr. Godwin Alenkhe elected as the National President.
Those elected alongside Mr. Alenkhe included: Chinenye Joyce Chinonye; Mr. Adeyemo Emmanuel Olaseinde; Mr. Ojo Thomas Friday; Mr. Ibirogba Olusegun; Ojuko Akintunde Oluwafemi; Mr. Vincent Okonko; Mr. Adetunji Adebukola Adejumo; Mr. Bolaji Oke; Mr. Ogunrinde Babatunde Tajudeen; Mr. Adegbaju Hezekiah Adeyemi; Mr. Borokinni Lukuman; Mr. Mao Odofin; Mr. Samuel Arowolo; Mr. Ayotola Afolabi; Mr. Adebanji Taiwo Fagbemi for the posts of Vice President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, National Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Assistant Financial Secretary, Auditor, PRO 1 and PRO 2, Welfare 1 and Welfare 2, Social Secretary, and Chief Whip respectively.
Earlier, in his appreciation, the Secretary, Board of Trustees, ERCAAN, Mr. Ogunleye Samuel, urged the newly elected officers to know that “if they do well, all members will benefit, and if they do their work badly, the whole members will be badly affected,” he said. He summarized his speech by saying that henceforth, divisions and acrimony in ERCAAN will have to end.
Earlier, in his opening remark, the National Caretaker Committee (ENCC) of ERCAAN, Mr. Lanre Obasola Afolayan, noted that the ENCC has not relented in its efforts in bringing together all dissidents and aggrieved members into one unified ERCAAN. “We believe that all hands must be on deck for ERCAAN to remain unified and indivisible forever,” he said.