By Moses Nosike

Traders, artisans, friends, family members and loved ones in their large numbers converged at Surulere Nursery and Primary School, Clegg Street, Lagos to witness the maiden inauguration of executives of Members of the Modern Automotive Spare Parts and Accessories Traders Association of Lagos (MASPATAL), Lagos Surulere Zone, last Saturday.

The occasion started with thanksgiving and dancing after which the Pastor gave an admonition. Pastor James in his sermon entitled “Let the word of God be invested in whatever you do” urged the audience to allow God direct them in whatever they to make all things possible in their lives.

The peaceful election was held during the month with the emergence of Chinwike Ikenna Collins as President of the association after a long time of internal wrangling and discord.

Other elected executives are; Solomon Obabiyi, Vice President; Okpefi Friday, General Secretary; Nwankwo Joebrown, Treasure; Fagbile Abolaji Taofeek, Assistant Secretary General; Nwosu Ifeanyichukwu, Provost Marshall; Oyibo Ikechukwu, Financial Secretary; Ogunta Anayo, Public Relations Officer and Chidi Clinton Agbadike Welfare.

Board of Trustees, Prince Abel Chuwkuekem Nwankwo urged the new executives to perform well better as expected and they should do things in the interest of members.

In his welcome address, the elated President acknowledged the love shown to him and said he felt honoured and would not take the opportunity for granted. He described his being elected President as a privilege which he is grateful for.

He further said: To whom much is given, much is expected, having come from the campaigns and elections are over, it is expected that myself and my executives have to deliver without excuses. People believed in me that I can do the work and by the grace of God I am going to do it and I won’t disappoint them. It is easier when people make you their choice because the work will be easier for you to deliver but when people take the work or position by force, it becomes stressful. It is because I am the people’s choice, so they have made the work easier for me. When I call on members to do a particular job, they are eager to do it because that is exactly what they want from me.

He disclosed that the association is making progress especially in its relationship with residents, local government officials, Community Development Association, Vehicle Inspection Officers and other government agencies responsible for traffic management.“My members have been corporative and other artisans have equally followed suit, which is expected”.