By Kenneth Jukpor
YoungShip Nigeria (YSN) has successfully elected and inaugurated new executives to lead the association to new heights with Mr. Popoola-Taiwo Shehu emerging the National Chairman.
The election which held today in Victoria Island, Lagos, also had virtual participation in a peaceful and seamless process in line with the constitutional dictates of the young professional group.
Other newly elected executives are: National Vice Chairman, Mr. Ezeh Chizoba; National General Secretary, Mrs. Mgbemena Chioma Rosemary; National Media Officer, Mr. Kenneth Jukpor; Assistant National Secretary, Mr. Francis Ozurigbo Odinaka; National Finance Officer: Miss Oke Omolayo; National Capacity Building Officer, Mr. Suleiman Abubakar and the National Sponsorship Officer, Miss Victoria Iwuoha.
In his acceptance speech, the new YoungShip Nigeria Chairman, Shehu pledged to operate an all-inclusive leadership style that would significantly increase the membership and relevance of the group in the nation’s shipping sector and internationally.
Shehu implored young Nigerian shipping and transport professionals to join YoungShip, assuring that the group provides a valuable network to provide employment and mentorship opportunities for members.
The new YSN Chairman also thanked his predecessor, Mr. Usman Shuaibu and the outgoing executives, even as he promised that his team would strive to build on the successes of the previous administration and attain new heights.
In his valedictory speech, the immediate-past National Chairman, Shuaibu said; “I would like to humbly appreciate all esteemed members of YoungShip Nigeria for allowing me to serve this forum since 2017. It has been a remarkable and memorable time.”
While he specially thanked his colleagues who served as former executives for their unflinching support, assistance and teamwork, he encouraged them to continue to give maximum participation and support to the new YSN administration.
“On this note, I want to specially congratulate all newly inaugurated executives elected today. The session is a historic and exemplary legacy. Congratulations to Shehu-led the team,” Shuaibu said.
The election was presided over by the Election Committee Chairman, Mr. Chris Okon and he expressed optimism that the new executives will be able to make significant contribution to the growth of the association.
He thanked the association for the opportunity to serve as Chairperson of the electoral committee, even as he appreciated the other members of the Committee who worked assiduously to attain a hitch-free election.
Also speaking, the immediate-past National Media Officer, Mr. Chukwunonso Udeh observed that the new leadership team will face new challenges ocassioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, however, he charged the team to focus on success because failure isn’t an option.
Chukwunonso, while giving the vote of thanks, encouraged the new leadership to live up to the lofty expectations, admonishing the leaders to also solicit for support beyond the immediate executives in order to have a successful tenure.
YoungShip Nigeria (YSN) was established in 2017, and it is principally a meeting place for young people working in maritime related businesses such as ship design, shipyards, equipment suppliers, finance, brokerage, operations and shipowners.
