The Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA) has elected Otunba Sola Adewumi and other new executives to steer its affairs for the next two years. This is even as the new executives have promised to revamp the Nigerian Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) for shipping development in the country.
In the election which was held in Lagos on Thursday, Otunba Sola Adewumi emerged as the new President of the association.
The position of the President of the association was contested between Mr. Paul Jegede and Otunba Sola Adewumi.
Otunba Sola Adewumi who is the Director of JS Shipping and Trading Co. Ltd had a landslide victory with a total of 21 votes while Mr. Paul Jegede, Managing Director of Japaul Group garnered a total of 2 votes.
Speaking after the election, founding father and Chairman Board of Trustees, Chief Isaac Jolapomo admonished the newly-elected executives to collaborate and work with unity with all members to achieve a common goal.
Jolapomo who was also a past President of the association appealed to the President-elect to be magnanimous in victory, adding that his team should ensure the projects the association have started are all completed. He also urged losers in the contest to support the new executives for the growth of NISA.
In his words: “I want to appeal to the winner to be magnanimous in victory. This is our second attempt of having an election. We must not fail this time. There is a lot to be done. This election has come and gone. We should forge ahead to be one family. To those that have been elected today, the load of the association is on your head. We are just to look at what you are doing and correct you if you’re going astray. We also believe you will listen to our correction because we would not do it for our interest alone, but for us to leave a legacy.
“We have started on a number of projects which we must complete. We know the period is very short. I implore all of us to join hands together so that we can conquer a common enemy. Thank you all for the passion that you all have for this association. I was not surprised how the result came about, but one thing we must keep in mind is to be our brothers’ keeper. Today I am the happiest person.
In his acceptance speech, the newly-elected president, Sola Adewumi promised to revamp the moribund secretariat of the association adding that the Nigerian Maritime Expo NIMAREX will be on focus before the end of the year .
He also pledged to work closely with members of the association and other relevant stakeholders for the development of shipping business and the industry at large.
Otunba Adewumi who is also the President of Bunkers Dealers Association of Nigeria, appealed to all members to be united and speak with one voice, adding that there are plans in place to reunite Nigerian ship owners.
“The past Steering committee members started a move of reconciliation and we would continue from where they stopped. We would still find a way of bringing those that are aggrieved back to the association. I am also expecting a situation where by the disbursement of the CVFF will come to life immediately which will provide jobs and develop the shipping industry. I will use my position to talk to Bunker dealers who are supposed to be here. If they come in, the better for us. We would get more business, recognition and be able to have a say in the government.
“I am going to put up a committee on NIMAREX. If it is feasible, we would do it this year and if it is not, we would do it next year because I don’t want to do anything haphazardly. On behalf of those of us that have just been elected, we say a very big thank you for the confidence reposed in us. And I shall assure you that we are not going to disappoint you. To my Co-contestant, we are in it together. There is no winner, no vanquish” Otunba Adewumi noted.
Also, Otunba Olawale Jubril emerged unopposed for the post of NISA General Secretary with 20 votes while other persons were nominated for the vacant positions not contested for.
However, Mr. Gbolahan Adu was appointed by the house as Publicity Secretary, Mr. Mohammed Malik as Financial Secretary and Mrs Wor-Degbetuwa Sammy as the Treasurer of the association.
Election observers include representatives from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Master Mariners, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and other industry stakeholders.
Follow us on Facebook/ twitter
