Members of the Ojota Chemical Dealers Association gathered at the Galaxy event Hall on Thursday, 16th December for the 2021 Annual General Meeting of the association.
In his welcome address, The President of the OCDA Association, Aare Alaba Saliu described the event as the first of its kind to be held since his administration assumed in 2019.
He explained the reasons for the suspension of the annual gathering in year 2019 was as result of the death of OCDA Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT), Mr. Elijah Apelo, who worked enthusiastically for the progress of the association over the years.
“However, in the year 2020 was a sorrowful moment for humanity, as businesses across the world were slowed down as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.”
“In spite of the challenges, we are grateful that our association is growing in leaps and bounds, and bouncing back solidly. “
“Coming out and still struggling in this extraordinary times, I am glad that the present leadership has broken new grounds to birth modern innovations into the activities of our association.
“We have facilitated a convenient loan format for our members through the support of some financial institutions, thus, this practical step has opened up a new chapter to the expansion of businesses in our domain, OCDA President, Alaba noted.
“Solidifying our businesses, it is critically pertinent to thank the financial institutions for the massive and monumental interventions.”
“As the present leadership is mandated to serve for three years, we look forward to counting on the continued support of our members in a bid to drive forward our strategy in making our noble association the leading market organization in Sub-saharan Africa.”
Earlier, The Chairman of the occasion and OCDA Patron, Chief Emeka Ebere commended Alaba’s leadership over the impressive members’ turnout for the Annual General meeting.
He said the Executives, and BOT members, are to serve the Association. “We are sitting to serve you, We are not your leader.”
While thanking all the members, he seeks for more understanding and cooperation towards serving them better.
The new BOT members were announced and inaugurated by OCDA patron, Chief Emeka Ebere.
While explaining the composition of the BOT to the media OCDA President, Aare Alaba Saliu said the expanded BOT comprises three Member each from East, West and south of Nigeria who are all dealers in the market.
Alaba who described members of BOT as men of timber and Calibre implored them to play their fatherly role as the life wire of the Association.
The immediate past President of OCDA and new member of BOT, Chief Ike Nwangwa while speaking to the newsmen said his successor, Alaba led executives are trying their best.
“Despite Coronavirus, They are trying, We are trying, We are a moving train. Ojota Chemical Dealers Association is the number one in the whole of Nigeria. We will never go bad, we must stand and fulfill our promises,” He remarked.
He noted as Member of the newly sworn in BOT they will continue to promote unity and peace among the things in the Association.
