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| Ashaolu |
Information reaching Newswatch has it that the formal swearing-in and taking oath
of office of Comrade (Dr.) Hon. Victor Ashaolu led executives of Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) took place on Saturday,
December 20, 2014 by Barrister Abdul-Malik Abdul-Majeed.
The event took
place at Kwara State Arts and Culture Centre (Main Hall,) Ilorin.
This was disclosed in a statement from ANTP National
Secretariat. The statement reads, “Consequent upon Comrade Victor Ashaolu court victory on
Thursday, January 30, 2014 before Justice Bolaji Yussuf of the Oyo state High
Court 3, sitting at Ring – Road, Ibadan, affirming his Presidency of
Association of Nigeria Theatre-Arts Practitioners (ANTP).
“Also, as
a follow-up at the ANTP fourth Quadrennial delegates conference held on Friday,
July 11, 2014 at Orange Hotels, Bolorunduro, Ilesa, Osun state, it was resolved
and approved that the period spent on the court case(s) – almost 3 and half
years should be regarded as crises and transition period, hence all officers of
the association, should be regarded just starting the first term in office from
local government chapters to the National level, which shall end in July 2018.”
Earlier,
the ANTP inaugural committee chairman, Asiwaju Busari Shaasudden Akande
courtesy of his company-Vanguard Associates consultants Int’l had hinted that
Comrade Victor Ashaolu mandate is to advocate for policy that generate
opportunity for everybody-policy that strengthen the middle class and give more
people the chance to class their way into the middle class. Policy that create
more good jobs and reduce poverty and educate more members of our great
association – ANTP.
Asiwaju Bausari Shaamsudden Akande also welcomed the opportunity ceremony
offered, - which is to celebrate especially noteworthy contributions to our
shared efforts during the most turbulent court periods in the history of ANTP,
which finally paved way for today’s event – the swearing in and taking oath of
office of National President, ANTP – Victor Ashaolu, to be held outside Lagos
and Ibadan since 1976.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Victor Ashaolu made it clear that ANTP is in
need of a missionary, visionary, capable and experienced executives who will
not only be able to avoid the mistakes land pitfalls of the past, but who by
his vision, mission, knowledge, exposure and experience will steer the
Association’s ship out of the present trouble waters into a regime of peace,
stability and professional economic advancement, for the benefit of all
members.
Comrade Victor Ashaolu also commended the members of ANTP inauguration
committee, especially the chairman, Dr. Asiwaju Busari Shaamsudeen Akande, who
want a great length with his company Vanguard Associates Int’l to get us to
this point.
According to Comrade Ashaolu, “I am not seeing the office of the National
President as a stepping stone of prestige or glory; rather, I believe that ANTP
has reached a stage where dedication, hardwork and sacrifice must become the
key factor in national leadership.”
Comrade Ashaolu stated his visions to include: “Total commitment to the welfare
of all members and Associations rapid social, political, and professional
progress and development. *Eradication of poverty, ignorance and immaturity.
*To create a forum for empowerment of the leaders, elders, widows and upcoming
artistes. *Total commitment to regular quality stage and film productions.
*Reactivation of stage productions at all local zone, state and national
levels. *To establish an institution of drama and theatre, insurance scheme for
members, cooperative societies for the Association, a solid marketing outlet
for sales and distribution of ANTP members work, with onward returns to
producers. *To ensure justice, equity and fairplay for each and every member.
*To fight for enthronement of rule of laws and social justice in all spheres of
our endeavours in ANTP and to maintain a disciplined organization.”
The ANTP President further stated that he is poised and determined to take ANTP
to greater heights by encouraging all members to proceed on continuous
education and training, which Vanguard Associates has promised to assist in the
area of human development.
Comrade r Ashaolu in turn, sworn-in other national executives which included :-
- Alhaji Mustapha Eletu as National
Deputy President.
- Alfa Yisa Alabi Olorunoje as
National Vice President (North)
- Najeem Adio Tijani as National
General Secretary.
- Mr. Isaac Ajidaun as Assistant
National general Secretary.
- Mrs. Abiola Ayeni Adejumo as
National Treasurer.
- Mr. Tawab Fatola as National
Financial Secretary.
- Miss Atinuke D. Akindele as National
Publicity Secretary.
- Mr. Bakare Shittu as National
Welfare Secretary 1 (Male).
- Mrs. Yinka Adeleke as National
Welfare Secretary 2 (Female).
- Mr. Elijah Afolayan as National
Chief Whip 1 (Male).
- Mrs. Esther Akinola Omidiran as
National Chief Whip 2 (Female).
- Comrade Ibrahim M. Yahaya as
National Auditor.
- Mr. Abiodun Rufai (Odua) as National
ex-officio 1.
After the swearing-in and taking oath of office, Ashaolu presided over the
National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANTP and it was resolved and ratified
that eight members of the association be suspended indefinitely for
anti-association activities, being lawless and also for persistently and
consistently violating the constitution of the association with impunity.
NEC also
stated that if after six months, no letter of apology is received from each of
them or better still they should channel their grievance to the disciplinary
committee, it shall be extended; this is with a view to instilling discipline
to all rank and file of the association.
The
ceremony was graced by Emir of Ilorin – Sheikh Sulu Gambari who was ably
represented by all the Emirate councils, namely Balogun Fulani, Balogun
Gambari, Balogun Alanamu, Balogun Ajikobi, Mogaji Aare and HRH Oba Samuel
Oludare Arigbamu of Agbamu.
