The Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD) Lagos has elected a new executive council to lead the association for the next administrative session, following a successful election and swearing in exercise.

The election in Lagos was conducted via ballot paper voting procedures.

After the elections and collation of results; there was clear results without ambiguities, with almost all the positions unopposed .

Leading the new executives was Mark Doris as the Chairman, and Unamba Valentine as the Vice-Chairman.

Others include Faleye Oluleye as General Secretary; Akande Ololade, Treasurer; Ikewuonu Stellamaris, Financial Secretary; Olo Adedayo, Welfare Officer; Emeka Onyejiji, Assistant General Secretary; Vincent Iwunze, Publicity Secretary and Maduka Onyinyechi, as the Auditor.

Admonishing the new executives, Zonal Coordinator, South-West Zone, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Paulinus Nnamdi, urged them to build and strengthen harmonious relationship among members and sister professions

Reiterating the need for unity and peaceful coexistence between the guild and Association of Medical Laboratory Science of Nigeria (AMLSN), Mr Nnamdi said that the two bodies correlated, and therefore, should collaborate and see themselves as one.

In a goodwill message, the National Secretary General, GMLD, Dr Akujuobi Igwe, urged members of the guild to extend to the new chairman, irrespective of her gender, the same cooperation, loyalty and support, they gave to the outgone chairman.

Mr Igwe said that the chairman, being a woman, did not undermine her competence and capability to take germaine decision aimed at overall interest of the association.

“I am confident that the incoming leadership has the capacity, vision and competence required to take GMLD to even greater heights. I urge all members to extend to them the same cooperation, loyalty and encouragement that the past executives enjoyed during their tenure,” Mr Igwe said.

Similarly, the National Vice-President, GMLD, Dr Onaneye Olamiyiwa, urged the new leadership to take charge and lead by example.

According to him, the new leadership should at all times strive to protect the interest and positions of private operating outfits.

He said: “My incoming chairman, you have already taken this baton. We want you to hit the ground running. As a leader, you have the responsibility to take charge.”.

“The Immediate Past Chairman of the Guild, Mr Julius Adekoya, urged the new executives to build boldly, think progressively, while portraying an inclusive leadership.”

In his valedictory speech, Mr Adekoya tasked the new leadership on transparency and strategic digitalisation of the profession.

According to him, the expectations of the followers concerning the leadership are high and lofty, urging Mr Mark to consciously configure her visions from time to time to lead effectively.

Citing some of the achievements during his tenure, Mr Adekoya said GMLD remained focused and progressive as it not only prioritised structured engagement and advocacy, but, also participated in national professional affairs that affirmed the growing influence and credibility of GMLD.

“Protect the vulnerable. Elevate the committed. Encourage innovation and strengthen unity. Leadership is not about power; it is about stewardship. And as history reminds us, power is transient, but impact is enduring,” Mr Adekoya said.

In her acceptance speech, the Chairman, Doris Mark , expressed appreciation to the outgoing executives for their tireless efforts and for laying a solid foundation upon which the new team would build.

She described the mandate of GMLD as more critical now than ever before, assuring readiness of her leadership to maintain transparency and accountability.

She said, “The mandate is clear. You have voted for unity over division; strategy over sentiment; structure over disorder and progress over stagnation.

“Let it be known that this executive committee will be accessible, ethical, and performance-driven. Financial reporting will be transparent. institutional continuity will be structured and documented.”

(NAN)