*APT Election: Why Members Should Queue Behind Mekaowulu*
This period presents a difficult one for traders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, particularly members of the Association of Progressive Traders (APT).
What makes the period difficult is not the approaching peak of the business season that characterises the Yuletide, when people increase their purchases in preparation for Christmas and the New Year celebrations. Rather, it is because traders are heading into what I consider a make-or-mar election to elect new executives who will steer the affairs of the market for another tenure.
Everything being equal, before December 20, a new executive of the market is expected to take over from the outgoing administration.
I describe this as a make-or-mar election because the market has been under the close watch of government, and whoever emerges, particularly as president, must not only be capable and intellectually strong, but must also possess the ability to engage, consult widely and, most importantly, understand the political and administrative dynamics of Lagos State.
Lagos is no longer the Lagos of old where anything goes. In present-day Lagos, the success of businesses, markets and the people who depend on them requires leadership that is strong, capable and able to engage constructively with government and other relevant authorities.
Looking at who fits this description, one person who readily comes to mind is High Chief Chuka Christian Mekaowulu, aka Ichie Ngene Umuoji.
Mekaowulu, who has served as the Chief Security Officer of APT for nearly eight years, has, in my view, taken the security of the market to an enviable height. The market’s security operations have become increasingly digitised, with CCTV cameras enabling him and his team to monitor activities across different locations from a central point.
Close observers have seen the extent to which the CSO maintains a strong security presence in the market during the day, at night and even at weekends. Today, according to his supporters and those familiar with his work, incidents of theft and breaches of peace have become considerably less common than they were in the past.
But effective security of the market is only one aspect of High Chief Mekaowulu’s profile that, in my opinion, makes him a strong candidate for the presidency.
*BEYOND SECURITY*
As CSO, Mekaowulu has built relationships with critical stakeholders, including the police, traditional institutions and political actors. Through these engagements, he has become a familiar figure among stakeholders within and outside the market.
His supporters argue that his ability to engage with different institutions would be an important asset if he becomes president of APT.
High Chief Mekaowulu is also a strong supporter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a card-carrying member of the party. He has openly supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and, on several occasions, has been involved in initiatives promoting the President and the APC.
For his supporters, his political awareness and relationships could become useful in navigating the government and institutional environment within which the market operates.
*BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS RELIGIONS AND COMMUNITIES*
Another quality I consider significant is Mekaowulu’s ability to build relationships across religious and social lines.
He has identified with Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers alike. Last year, he reportedly devoted one of his outreach programmes at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre to the Sallah period following Ramadan.
On that occasion, Muslim and Christian inmates reportedly participated in the programme, sharing food and celebrating together in the spirit of Sallah.
For me, this demonstrates another dimension of leadership: the ability to build bridges across religious and social divides.
*A NETWORK THAT EXTENDS BEYOND APT*
Mekaowulu has also extended his activities beyond the immediate environment of the market through the establishment of a foundation.
Through the foundation, he has been able to connect with people across different sectors of society, including individuals who occupy influential positions in and outside Lagos.
The potential benefit of these relationships, in my view, would become more evident if he assumes the overall leadership of APT.
*THE CHALLENGE OF GOVERNMENT REGULATION*
Let us look at the reality before us.
Demolition and enforcement actions affecting business areas have become a major concern for traders in Lagos. Whatever the circumstances surrounding such actions, the consequences for business owners can be devastating.
This is why the relationship between market leadership and government authorities matters.
If the leadership of a market maintains open channels of communication with government and relevant authorities, there is an opportunity to engage, seek clarification, present the concerns of traders and explore possible solutions before situations escalate.
Not quite long ago, there was a demolition exercise at the Trade Fair Complex that resulted in some traders and business owners losing investments they had accumulated over many years.
APT members therefore cannot afford to take the issue of leadership lightly. The market remains an important commercial centre and will continue to attract the attention of government and regulatory authorities.
*WHY THE TRADE FAIR COMPLEX MATTERS*
The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, located along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, occupies an important place in Nigeria’s commercial history.
The first trade fair in Nigeria was held in 1962 at the Exhibition Centre in Victoria Island. In the 1970s, the Federal Military Government embarked on the development of a permanent international trade complex to host major trade activities.
Construction of the complex took place between 1974 and 1977, with the project undertaken by a Yugoslavian firm. On November 27, 1977, the complex was officially opened by the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Since then, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has developed into one of the country’s major trade and exhibition centres and an important commercial destination in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
Its strategic importance makes the quality of leadership within its various business associations particularly important.
*THE CHOICE BEFORE APT TRADERS*
As this election approaches, traders must carefully consider the qualities they want in the person who will lead them.
For me, the choice should be about leadership that can protect the interests of traders, engage government and relevant authorities, maintain peace, promote development and provide effective representation.
Traders must first have a market before they can talk about leadership.
And the leadership of that market must understand the realities surrounding it.
This is where I believe High Chief Chuka Christian Mekaowulu brings something different to the table.
*A RECORD OF RECOGNITION*
The leadership qualities of Chief Mekaowulu, according to his supporters, are reflected not only in his relationships with influential stakeholders or his activities within the market, but also in the numerous recognitions he has received for leadership, security management, peacebuilding and humanitarian service.
The CSO, whose chieftaincy title is Chinwatakweaku Na Okodu Oboli Riru Agu Na Lagos State, has reportedly received more than 20 awards at national and international levels.
Among the recognitions displayed at his office are awards from the Council of African Youth, Umuoji Improvement Union of Nigeria, West Africa Initiative for Leadership, Ohanaeze, Nigeria Peace Magazine, Citizen Welfare Foundation, Zenith News International, Leadership Enhancement Initiatives and Hope for All Africa Orphanage, among others.
His recognitions include the Beacon of Hope for the Advancement of Africa’s Development Award, Achievers Award, Special Achievement Award in Security Management and Exemplary Leadership, Distinguished Philanthropist Award, Peace Ambassador in Nation Building, Integrity Leadership Award, Security Excellence Award, Ambassador of Peace and Integrity, Humanitarian Gift Award and Living Hero Award 2023/2024.
Mekaowulu also appears to have been preparing himself for greater leadership responsibilities. He enrolled at Lagos State University (LASU) to further his education and, according to his supporters, position himself for greater leadership opportunities.
Today, the opportunity to lead APT is before him.
*QUALITY, CAPACITY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND PREPAREDNESS*
For me, the argument is straightforward.
Leadership requires quality, capacity, accountability and preparedness.
Mekaowulu has spent nearly eight years in one of the most sensitive positions within the market. He has dealt with security, stakeholders, government agencies, community leaders and people from different backgrounds.
Those experiences, in my view, are relevant as APT prepares to choose its next president.
As they say in local parlance:
*“Follow who knows road.”*
That is the message I would leave with APT traders as they approach the election.
They should look beyond personalities and consider the experience, capacity, relationships, preparedness and vision required to move the association forward.
From a secured market to a truly progressive market — that is what High Chief Chuka Christian Mekaowulu says he stands for.
*Written By Innocent Onoh -International writer and Public Affairs Analyst*
