A former acting President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr. Kayode Farinto, is reconsidering his political stance in ANLCA politics after the form for Board of Trustees (BoT) election was acquired for him by the KayFar Freight Forwarding Forum.
The development marks a turn of event for both Farinto and the ANLCA, given his prior declaration of stepping away from the association’s political landscape.
Recall that Farinto had previously announced his intention to step back from ANLCA politics, emphasizing his desire to rest and make way for new leadership within the association.
Following the unsolicited purchase and presentation of the BoT election form by the KayFar Freight Forwarding Forum, a group the former acting President said has been instrumental in his career, has led him to reconsider his stance.
During the presentation of ANLCA BoT form in his office, Farinto said: “First and foremost, permit me to appreciate this group, KayFar group has been registered for several years and actively resolving issues behind the scenes. I grew up in this group, and their unwavering support has been pivotal to my success, including my victory in the CRFFN election.”
Acknowledging the group’s belief in his leadership, Farinto stressed that he couldn’t ignore their call for his experience and contribution to ANLCA’s growth.
His words: “A leader who does not leave when the ovation is loudest may be pushed aside. Now that my group has gone ahead without my consent to buy a form of N1.5 million, saying they still want me to contribute, who am I to say no?”
It is believed that his acceptance of the BoT form signifies his readiness to leverage his experience for ANLCA’s betterment, even as he emphasized his commitment to ensuring the election process is credible, free, and fair.
“When there was a NECOM election that I lost, I congratulated the winners that is how life is supposed to be. I believe my inclusion in the BoT election will lend credibility to the process. Whatever I am today is through the support of my group, and I cannot turn my back on them.”
“We don’t want a board that will have conflict with NECOM. My inclusion in the board will hopefully bring peace and clarity to ANLCA,” he remarked.
Harping on the importance of differentiating the responsibilities of the BoT from NECOM, Farinto opined that the BoT should focus on court issues and the association’s properties; while NECOM addresses other necessary matters of the association.
The veteran Customs broker expressed optimism that the upcoming elections will bring new alliances and reinforce our professional ties to further dissipate the trends of factions and conflicts in the association.
“I will do my best to ensure ANLCA is taken back to its lost glory and support NECOM for a clear sense of direction,” he affirmed.
Earlier, the Chairman of KayFar Freight Forwarding Forum, Comrade Adeniyi Adelakun, highlighted Farinto’s unwavering dedication and service to the maritime industry.
“We all know Kayode Farinto in the maritime industry. He is a man of the field, always ready to assist anyone, anywhere. We believe in his leadership and experience, and we are confident that his involvement in the BoT will bring positive changes to ANLCA,” Adelakun said.
