By Joy Onu
A new leadership chapter has begun at Commerce Plaza in Abuja as Alex O. Dickson formally assumed office as Chairman of the Commerce Plaza Tenants Association (CPTA), promising to prioritise business protection, infrastructure improvement and transparent governance for tenants operating within the complex.
Dickson, who addressed members during the inauguration ceremony, described his emergence as a responsibility entrusted to him by fellow tenants and pledged to provide leadership that reflects their collective interests and aspirations.
He said his administration would focus on strengthening unity among tenants while ensuring that the association remains a strong voice in addressing issues affecting businesses within the plaza.
According to him, safeguarding the interests of tenants will remain central to the new executive’s mandate, particularly in addressing complaints, disputes and external pressures that could negatively affect business operations.
Critical infrastructure concerns were also highlighted as part of his immediate priorities. Dickson noted that unstable electricity supply and inadequate water services continue to pose challenges for business owners, stressing that his administration would work with plaza management and other relevant stakeholders to seek sustainable solutions.
He described electricity as essential to the survival of most businesses in Nigeria and emphasised the need for realistic strategies that can guarantee more reliable power supply within the commercial complex.
Security within the plaza also featured prominently in the chairman’s remarks. He assured tenants that the new executive committee would strengthen existing security arrangements to ensure the safety of traders, customers and property.
Dickson further disclosed that the association intends to review the existing service charge structure to improve transparency and accountability in the management of shared facilities and services within the plaza.
To encourage greater participation by tenants, he announced plans for regular consultations and engagement with members, including bi-monthly congress meetings where issues affecting the plaza would be discussed collectively.
He emphasised that cooperation between tenants, the plaza management and the Board of Directors would be essential to achieving meaningful progress.
Earlier, the outgoing Chairman of the association, Reuben Omenefu, expressed appreciation to members, management and other stakeholders for their support during his tenure. He also urged tenants to extend the same cooperation to the new leadership to enable it succeed.
The newly inaugurated executive committee comprises Alex O. Dickson as Chairman, Olu Oke as Vice Chairman, Friday Odugbo as Secretary, Monday Odeyemi as Treasurer, Chijioke Eze as Public Relations Officer, and Daniel Abu as Provost.
As part of activities marking the inauguration, the association honoured the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Alhaji Habib Isah, popularly known as Baba Alaje of Commerce Plaza, in recognition of his contributions toward sustaining peace and development within the business community.
Past leaders of the tenants’ association were also recognised with awards for their roles in the growth and stability of the plaza over the years.
The event attracted the plaza’s management team, former executives of the association, business stakeholders and other invited guests.
