By Theodore Opara

After twenty years of meritorious service as President of the Association of Nigeria Tyre Marketers, and pioneer Chief Executive officer of Africa Tyre Village, Alhaji Issa Mohammed Akanbi on 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 is 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 it’s President, while Issa Akanbi retires back to his full trading business.

During his address, Ezeifeoma in his capacity as the Deputy and Vice President under the Issa Akanbi administration, extolled his rare qualities and legacies which he said are deeply rooted in discipline, transparency, tolerance, humility, hardwork, generousity 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.”

In his remark, the outgoing Secretary Mr Christian Maduchukwu said “this inauguration is the first transition of government since the establishment of Africa Tyre Village twelve years ago” he noted.

Continuing, he said: “The emergence of Okechukwu Ezeifeoma as the best man for the job who can sustain the high standards laid down by his predecessor is therefore, not a coincidence. Ezeifeoma’s leadership prowess, foresightedness and humble spirit are clearly documented in Akanbi’s remarks “

According to Akanbi’s remarks, “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, Mr. Okechukwu Ezeifeoma as my Vice. We suffered together and sacrificed so much to see the union through her difficult moments. After stabilising the market and restoring discipline, my Vice being an importer alerted me that our control on shop rents at Idumota is 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 I and my exco members were able to stabilize the market”.

Despite the differences in tongues and faith, Akanbi also noted that no religious or tribal crisis was recorded throughout the twelve 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.