The Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS) on Thursday elected Mr Nicodemus Odolo, Chief Executive Officer, Nisol Worldwide Investment, as its new President, after a keenly contested election in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odolo takes over from Mr Leonard Ogamba, the immediate past President of the association.
Odolo emerged victorious with nine votes, defeating Princess Mulikat Sanni, Chief Executive Officer of Mulifelong Motors, who polled two votes.
His emergence signals a new leadership era for SALS, with a pledge to reposition the association for greater impact in nation’s maritime sector.
Other executives elected include Mrs Ngozi Modebelu, Managing Director of WACTAF, who became vice president unopposed following the withdrawal of Dr Farinto Collins Kayode, Chief Executive Officer of Wealthy Honey Investment.
Mr Ganni Alli-Shobande, Chairman of Accessport Nigeria Ltd., was returned unopposed as Secretary-General, while Mr Wilson Osim of Dangote Industries Ltd. was elected Financial Secretary unopposed.
Also elected unopposed was Mr Ike Nwago of Multifreight Nigeria Ltd., as Publicity Secretary.
A lawyer, Mr Remigius Uche-Odoh of Maritime and Commercial Law Partners, administered the oath of office to the new executives, while Pastor Jonah Amata served as the Electoral and Returning Officer.
In his acceptance speech, Odolo expressed gratitude to members for entrusting him with the leadership mandate.
According to him, Odolo said that his victory is a collective achievement rather than a personal triumph.
“This victory belongs to all of us. It is a testimony to the power of unity and cooperation, and I believe that together we can achieve great things,” he said.
He pledged to foster inclusiveness and collaboration among members, while unveiling plans to strengthen SALS and give cargo owners a stronger voice in national and international maritime affairs.
Odolo also promised to tackle delays in cargo clearance at Nigerian ports, with a vision of achieving a system where consignments are released within 12 to 48 hours instead of months.
Acknowledging past divisions within the association, he called for reconciliation and renewed harmony.
“There may be different understandings concerning policies or issues, but when we sit together, we find unity.
What happened this afternoon is proof of that unity,” he said.
He assured that his administration would immediately engage critical maritime stakeholders, including shipping companies, terminal operators, truck owners, and freight forwarders, to drive reforms that would benefit cargo owners and the Nigerian economy.
Members of the association expressed optimism that SALS would witness stronger cohesion and greater relevance under Odolo’s leadership.
They also pledged their support to move the association forward. (NAN)
