How Oduntan, ANLCA VP Bagged Royal Excellence Award

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

It is no longer news that the Igbogbo Kingdom of Ikorodu, Lagos State, recently conferred on the Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olusegun Oduntan its prestigious Royal Award for his unrelenting and impactful support for the growth of the kingdom and community.

Oduntan, 4th from left, in a group photo with chieftains of ANLCA and other friends during the event

What is probably new is the story behind the news, which alone gives the royal recognition the high sense of its importance not only on Prince Oduntan, his family, admirers and associates, but indeed, on the entire kingdom and its people.

Firstly, the Royal Prestigious Award of Excellence was given by no one else but  His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom.

It is instructive that the award giving ceremony was part of the annual celebration of Igbogbo Kingdom on Sunday, November 24, 2024, an event that recognizes contributions to the development of the kingdom by notable sons and daughters; which event also serves to showcase the successes of illustrious sons and daughters of the kingdom in their respective chosen careers.

A proud industrialist and front line corporate customs broker, logistics and freight forwarding practitioner, Prince Oduntan stands tall as his associates and friends were on ground to witness the very important ceremony and to felicitate him.

It is also noteworthy that as a proud native of the kingdom, Oduntan was personally nominated by HRM Oba Kasali in the light of his numerous contributions and unwavering commitment to promoting the culture and heritage of the kingdom and Ikorodu land at large.

Oba Kasali in his remarks took time to highlight Prince Oduntan’s contributions to the development of the kingdom and his consistent support for its cultural preservation and socio-economic advancement.

The common saying that the golden fish has no hiding place aptly applies to this illustrious son of Igbogbo kingdom, as his reputation have for a long time already remained engrained in the royal palace; which finds it necessary to step out at every important occasion to give Prince Oduntan a royal support whenever and wherever he requires it.

It will be recalled that HRM Oba Kasali graciously stepped out to serve as the royal father of the day during the launch of the Emenike, Oduntan Support Organisation (ENSO) campaign team at the Ikorodu Terminal over a year ago, as Oduntan expressed interest in contesting the ANLCA presidential election as running mate to Emenike Nwokeoji; forwhich they eventually emerged, winners.

A respected leader, Oduntan naturally attracted well wishers, friends and associates from far and wide including chieftains of ANLCA during the award ceremony, recently.

ANLCA chieftains in attendance includes the Zonal Coordinator (West), Alhaji Femi Anifowoshe; Member BoT, Alhaji Tunde Awonuga;  Zonal Secretary (West), Alhaji Idowu Owoade;  Vice Chairman and PTML Election Front Runner, Hon. Babatunde Adekoya;  Alhaji Yakub Mustapha; and Mr. Ikechukwu Matins.

A recipient of many awards and recognitions cutting across industry, political and the social divide, Prince Olusegun Oduntan is man of the people, with a unique philanthropic credential, a source of support and a beacon of hope for struggling industry practitioners and other stakeholders.

His voice occasionally, also rings out stridently against unfair industry policies and practices; not only as the number two man in ANLCA but even as an individual practitioners who enjoys tremendous respect from various official quarters owning to his occupational knowledge and integrity.