The Pillar of Associations, Rivers State, has taken steps to strengthen its structure by revamping the makeup of its Board of Trustees (BoT). This move aims to enhance effective governance, service delivery, and protection of members' interests. The Governing Council of the organisation nominated and appointed 11 members to the BoT during their general meetings on September 25, 2026, and October 16, 2026.
The President of the Association, Comrade Hyacinth Ihennacho, stated that the appointment of new BoT members was necessary due to the death of virtually all previous members. He mentioned that the Pillar of Associations, Rivers State, is an age-long association that has been around for close to three decades. With only a few members still alive, it became expedient to reconstitute the BoT to maintain the association's constitutional provisions and functionality.
The reconstituted BoT membership includes Comrade (Elder) Irondi Sammy as Chairman, Comrade Akosim Nnanna Nduka as Secretary, and nine other members. The new BoT members were ratified by the general House, ensuring the association's continued operations. This move follows the demise of Alhaji Adedeji Kareem, the immediate past Chairman of the BoT, who died on August 16, 2026, after a brief illness.
Pillar of Associations, Rivers State, was established as a rallying body for various Traders' Unions in Rivers State. The organisation was formed in response to harassment of trading and business communities in the state, particularly over collection of levies and taxation by touts and hoodlums. The umbrella body was officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 1998.
The Pillar of Associations has been instrumental in promoting the welfare of Traders' Unions and business communities in Rivers State. With its registered status, the organisation has been able to provide a platform for traders to operate and protect their interests. The revamped BoT is expected to further enhance the association's service delivery and governance.
Comrade Ihennacho expressed gratitude to the general House for ratifying the appointments of the new BoT members. He emphasized that the reconstitution of the BoT will enable the association to continue providing support to its members and promoting the interests of traders in Rivers State.
The Pillar of Associations, Rivers State, continues to play a vital role in promoting the welfare of traders and business communities in the state. With its strengthened structure, the organisation is poised to enhance its service delivery and governance, ultimately benefiting its members and the broader business community.
Key points
- The Pillar of Associations, Rivers State, has revamped its Board of Trustees with 11 new members to strengthen governance and service delivery.
