By Solomon Igwe
There was an atmosphere of warmth, unity and renewed commitment as the Nigeria Association of Auctioneers (NAA) elected a new National Executive on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026, at the prestigious Villa Park Hotel, Durumi, Abuja.
The two-day event commenced on Friday, February 13, with the Annual General Meeting (AGM), where members deliberated on the state of the Association, reviewed its progress, and set the tone for a peaceful and transparent electoral process. The climax came the following day with the successful conduct of national elections and the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected officers.
Emerging as National President was Engr. Isibor Benjamin Abhulimen, a respected professional whose journey from engineering to auctioneering has earned him admiration within the Association. He will be supported by Auct. Mohammed Abatcha, Ph.D., as Vice President; Auct. Duze Lawal Mohammed Kamal, Ph.D., as Secretary General; Auct. Dr. Ekundayo W. Balogun as Public Relations Officer; and Hon. Chief Taiwo Ademolu Jigan as Financial Secretary, alongside other duly elected officials.
The newly elected National President of Nigeria Association of Auctioneers, Engr. Isibor Benjamin Abhulimen
In what many members described as a well-deserved victory, Engr. Abhulimen pledged to lead with humility, accountability and inclusiveness.
“This is not about victory for one individual,” he declared in his acceptance speech. “It is a collective triumph for the Nigeria Association of Auctioneers. There is no victor, no vanquished. Together, we must build an Association that works for all.”
The new President expressed deep appreciation to the Board of Trustees (BoT), chaired by HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Brass Kingdom, for providing steady leadership during the transition period. He also commended the Transition and Electoral Committee Chairman, Hajiya Salamatu Abdullahi, for overseeing what observers described as a credible and peaceful process, culminating in the formal handover and swearing-in of the new executives.
Hajiya Salamatu in her remarks, noted that the Committee was constituted to restore order and constitutional compliance within the Association.
“Our mandate was to ensure peace, legality and transparency. Today, we are proud that the Association has spoken through the ballot in a calm and dignified manner,” she said.
Several members at the AGM praised the maturity displayed by contestants and delegates alike. One the BoT member, Alhaji Musa Sule described the process as “a turning point for institutional strengthening and unity within the NAA.”
Engr. Abhulimen also acknowledged the efforts of other contestants, applauding their courage and commitment to service. He extended gratitude to State and Zonal Chairmen who travelled from across the federation to participate in the historic gathering, praying for their safe return journeys.
The Valentine’s Day election, symbolic in its timing, reflected what many participants described as love for the profession and commitment to collective progress. Observers believe the new leadership team faces the task of deepening professionalism, enhancing regulatory compliance, strengthening national cohesion and restoring public confidence in the auctioneering profession.
As the curtain fell on the two-day event, members departed Abuja with renewed optimism. The message from the new leadership was clear: unity, integrity and shared responsibility will define the next chapter of the Nigeria Association of Auctioneers.
In the words of the newly elected President, “When we place the Association above personal interest, progress becomes inevitable.”
Indeed, where there is unity of purpose, there is strength of institution.
From left to right: The newly elected Vice President of the Nigeria Association of Auctioneers (NAA), Mohammed Abatcha; Member, Board of Trustees (BoT), Pa Suara Adebisi Ajuwon; BoT Member, Alhaji Musa Sule; the newly elected National President of the NAA, Engr. Isibor Benjamin Abhulimen; BoT Member, Alhaji Magaji S. Samke; BoT Member, Nze Aguoha; former Vice President of the NAA, Engr. Michael Owoyemi; and the newly appointed BoT Member, Aremo Rafiu Adewale Elegushi (Kabiyesi).
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