The Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES) has just elected new executives with Engr. Israel Obadan emerging President.
AMES conducted this election earlier today after concluding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Apapa, Lagos.
Other members of the new executives are; 1st Vice-President, Engr. John Oyedeji; 2nd Vice-President, Engr. Akeem Oderinde; General Secretary, Engr. Abuja Kato; Financial Secretary, Engr. Etang Asuquo; Treasurer, Engr. Kuzi Onyibe; Social/Publicity Secretary, Engr. Hector Jombo; and the Assistant General Secretary, Engr. Obi Cornelius.
Speaking after the election, the new AMES President, Engr. Obadan assured that the new executives will carry on with the leadership onus like the legendary athletic Hussein Bolt receives a relay baton.
His words: “I appreciate the tremendous efforts of our past presidents; late Engr. Ogundipe, Engr.Charles Uwadia, the immediate past president Engr. Adeyinka Okunade all of them with whom I have worked very closely over the years and with their enormous personal resources and sacrifice they have continued to keep the Association on its feet.”
“Having observed these players in close quarters, I also rededicate myself today, to chart same course of dedication to duty that shall be demanded of me and my Executive members.”
“Let me remind us all of those members who by their moral and financial supports and in their business and intellectual exposure have enhanced the status of the Association. I am referring to our most shining professional colleagues Engr. Olu Akinsoji, Engr.Charles Uwadia, Engr.Greg Ogbeifun, Engineer John Oguntokun, Engr.Yinka Okunade, Engr. Ola Atitebi, Engr. Basil Dike, among others. I regard these leaders as our legacy members.”
The association, however, agreed that the new executives will be inaugurated and unveiled to the nation’s maritime industry and larger publics in a grand occasion to be held in few weeks.
In his valedictory speech, the immediate-past President, Engr. Adeyinka Okunade expressed delight that his administration was able to conclude the review of the Association’s constitution.
Okunade also noted that his administration had initiated efforts to expand the Association’s spread to other states especially in Delta and Rivers States, adding that some Marine Engineers in Port Harcourt have expressed interest and provided a facility for take-off while Warri annex remains in the offing.
“We should establish branches outside Lagos with opportunities already available in Port Harcourt and potentials for branches in Warri. We should also be open to memberships and annexes in diaspora.”
“On membership drive, we inherited only 23 financial members after the former executives cleaned up the system which had over 200 members but mostly non-financial members. We need to drive membership and open the association to other categories of membership. These are some of the changes captured in the new AMES constitution that is yet to be adopted by the general house,” he said.
While wishing the new executives a productive administration, Okunade also charged them to prioritize the organizing of a strategic Technical Summit for the maritime industry even as he recalled that the 2019 AMES Technical Summit birthed the Nigerian Fleet Implementation Committee.