In furtherance of its sustained efforts to promote trade as a key component of national development and integration, the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) at the weekend inaugurated its Zonal Executive Officers in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The occasioned was also used to commission the association’s new zonal office complex in Ibadan, South West Nigeria.
The NANTS National President, Chief (Barr) Ken Ukaoha, while inaugurating the EXCO, commended the leaders of NANTS in Oyo for their forthrightness and commitment to the vision and mission of the Association.
He thanked the teeming supporters and NANTS members who, all donning the Association’s uniform, promised to defend and fight for the rights of every Nigerian trader at all times, warning members against selling of fake and adulterated products to members of the public.
In addition, Ukaoha pointed out that traders owed consumers a duty of care by ensuring that quality goods are made available at good prices and urged them to desist from sharp practices and any unfair acts that will tarnish the image of the association.
He therefore called on all and sundry to support the government of the day at all levels in promoting national unity and peaceful co-existence where traders and business owners can operate without fear but contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of the local communities and the nation at large.
In her welcome address, the Oyo State Chairperson and Zonal Coordinator South West (NANTS) Chief (Mrs.) Odunayo Danjuma, thanked the National President for his maiden visit to Oyo State to commission the office complex and expressed appreciation to the National Executive Council for finding Oyo State suitable to host the zonal headquarters of the association.
She promised the commitment of the members of NANTS in Oyo State to sustain the goodwill by ensuring that the landmarks achieved so far are maintained for the growth and sustainability of the association.
Danjuma called on the Government of Oyo State to create enabling environment for traders and small business owners to grow their businesses by providing micro credits and affordable transport system for the free movements of goods and services.
The event had the blessings and endorsement of the State Governments, traditional rulers and prominent leaders in Yoruba land. Earlier in the day, the NANTS President’s entourage paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan land where the Royal Majesty poured his blessings on NANTS leadership across the country.
The occasion also created avenue for the inauguration of State Chapters of the association in Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Lagos..
The Oyo state Police Commissioner, Mr. Adekunle AbiodunOdude, who was the Keynote Speaker at the event delivered a paper on the theme “Community Policing and National Security: Roles of the Nigerian Traders.”
The climax of the event was the awards ceremony to distinguished traders and business owners in Oyo State.
The occasion was chaired by His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), who was represented by HM, Oba Adedapo Oladapo Aderemi, Onido Osun of Ido-Osun, supported by Oba Lekan Balogun, who also represented the Olubadan.
