ANLCA Election: Massive Turnout, Endorsements, As Wale Cole Flags Off Chairmanship Campaign At Tin Can Port

—Launches NGO, Offers 100 Free WAEC Forms for Secondary School Pipils

By DAPO OLAWUNI

There are indications that the upcoming elections into the Tin Can Island Port chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) would be a walk-over for Prince Olawale Cole, a Chairmanship aspirant who have enjoyed massive support and blessings of all members and gladiators of the chapter.

This indication became evident on Friday when Prince Cole flagged off his campaign officially, even opposition candidates have began to step down for him to emerge.

Speaking at the campaign flag-off which was graced by the President of Oodua Maritime Forum, Chief Oye Ariyo, Patron of ANLCA, Prince Taiye Oyeniyi, and other power brokers at the chapter, Prince Cole equally launched a None Governmental Organization (NGO) foundation, Prince Olawale Cole Maritime Foundation to cater for the need of the less privileged.

According to him “It is not because I am contesting to become a Chairman, I have always had the passion of helping people. I am happy to announce to you the Prince Olawale Cole Maritime Foundation which I am hereby launching today.
For a start, today we want to give 100 lucky people a chance to pick up their WAEC forms.

The ANLCA Chairmanship hopeful assured that the coming elections at the chapter would be very peaceful.

“It is a bygone thing for us to be chasing ourselves with cutlass and guns because of election. There is no group that can have everything, and I want us to have it in mind that when election is come and gone, we must all put heads together and work.

“I want to assure all the aspirants that we are all together, whatever the outcome of the political resolution and consultations that are on-going, it is the decisions of the eleders that we are going to standby.

“I want to assure you all, either you are Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba, we are all going to work together as one, I am giving you that promise. Let’s all come together to rebrand ANLCA, and become one” he said

Speaking earlier, immediate past Chairman of Tin Can Port chapter, Alhaji Mojeed Akanni endorsed Prince Wale Cole and gave his blessings, even as he urged him to carry all members along in his victory.

Mojeed endorsed Prince Cole as a man for the job.

“For the past eight years, this sought of development has not happened at Tin Can chapter, but today marks the beginning of a new thing. I welcome Wale Cole and I pray for your success, you have done well.

“I want your coming oboard to be another victory for the chapter. I would advise you that if you win this election, try to carry all the other contestants along so that you can be successful” he said

Also speaking, one of the gladiators and prominent leaders of the chapter, Ojo Peter Akintoye assured that there has been a meeting of the elders and Prince Wale Cole would be the next Chairman of the chapter.

“The Tin Can Port chapter is very volatile as far as election is concerned. We are many in number and qe are all very vibrant, so we have many people qualified to run for the office at the same time. But, we equally know that two people cannot be on a seat at the same time” Akintoye said

He commended the elders in the association for working out a resolution among the contestants to avoid acrimony and bloodbath as a result of the election.

“For your information, there is no crisis in Tin Can chapter again, Wale Cole is our incoming chairman, one love has bind us all together” the declared.

A former Vice Chairman of the chapter, Barr Ada Akpunonu acknowledged Wale Cole’s resourcefulness and capacity for the office.

“Wale Cole is a man of the people, he is so detribalised, and I am very happy that he is going to represent this chapter, our professional challenges are in legions, but I know he can do it, I have worked with him before and i know what is capable of” she said

She urged Wale Cole to work with resourceful people and carry everyone along to solidify the newly found peace at the chapter.

A delegation of the Igbo Maritime Practisioners were also on ground to endorse Prince Cole. The Tin Can Port chapter Chairman of the group in his speech, stated that “The Yorubas cannot do it alone, we must all work together. We know that Wale Cole is a man for the job because he has integrity, charisma and capacity. We are going to work together with you as partners in progress”

While presenting his comprehensive action plan for the Tin Can Port chapter, Prince Wale Cole showcased a manifesto focused on growth, competitiveness, stability, security, advocacy, inclusive representation, and healthcare outreach.

He pledged to modernize the association’s secretariat to international standards, implement digital systems for streamlined operations, and collaborate with Lagos State initiatives to create jobs and enhance skillsets for members.

He emphasized the importance of enhancing security measures and working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to simplify procedures, reduce delays, and minimize operational costs for members.

He further promised to champion policies that benefit all stakeholders and foster mutual respect among customs brokers. On healthcare, Cole committed to providing free periodic health checks for members, describing health as a fundamental right.