Franklin Chikeluba Nebife, popularly known as Mayor is the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Embassy Furniture Company and currently serves as Chief Promotion Chairman at Idu Furniture Mart, Idu Industrial Area, FCT. He is one of the chairmanship aspirants in the forthcoming election of the market association.
In this exclusive interview with Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Managing Editor, held in his office at the market on Saturday, Mayor said his decision to contest is driven by the need to give Idu Furniture Mart the positive exposure it deserves and to attract direct government attention and intervention to the market. He also speaks on his track record of leadership, plans for security, unity, and youth empowerment, and why traders should entrust him with the mandate.
Chief, let’s start with your introduction. Can you tell us your name, your position in this market, and who you are?
My name is Franklin Chikeluba Nebife, popularly called (Mayor). I am the CEO of Embassy Furniture Company here at Idu Furniture Mart, near Karmo Market, in Idu Industrial Area. Currently, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), I serve as the Chief Promotion Chairman of this market. My job has been to organize the welfare of traders and ensure our properties and activities are in order. By the grace of God, I am now aspiring to be the Chairman of the Furniture Dealers Union Association.
What motivated you to contest for the position of Chairman?
What is motivating me is the condition of our market. I have watched past administrations and I feel the market has not been given the exposure and attention it deserves. This market is my “London” everything I have is here. I want to break every yoke holding us back, showcase Idu Furniture Mart to the world, and make sure government knows we exist. We need progress, unity, and visibility.
Many leaders make promises during campaigns but fail to deliver. What is your track record?
By the grace of God, people have always asked me to serve because they know what I can do. In Zauda, I am the current Chairman of the Igbo Community Assembly (ICA). In two years, I built a banquet hall for them. Even when my tenure was about to end, they asked me to stay because of the work. Go to Zauda and verify. I turned ICA Zauda into one of the best. That is the kind of service I bring.
Leadership is often described as selfless service. How do you define it?
Leadership is service. It is not about title. It is about solving problems, carrying people along, and making sure everyone prospers. If you are not passionate and ready to sacrifice, don’t go into leadership.
What are your key plans for Idu Furniture Mart if elected?
First is adequate security. Second is unity among traders. Third is progress, we must market this place properly so customers from all over Abuja and Nigeria will know about us. I will make sure Idu Furniture Mart becomes one of the most recognized furniture markets in Abuja.
How do you intend to attract government attention to the market?
Government cannot help what it does not know. I will take deliberate steps to interface with FCT authorities, starting with the office of the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike. He is a performing minister. Once he knows about Idu Furniture Mart, I am confident he will pay attention to our challenges, roads, infrastructure, and recognition.
Do you believe you have the capacity to reach high-profile government officials like the FCT Minister?
Yes. The Minister is a listening leader. The problem is that he may not know about us yet. My job as Chairman will be to bridge that gap, present our needs properly, and ensure Idu Furniture Market is on the FCT development agenda.
What will you do differently from past administrations?
Past leaders tried, but I don’t think they were passionate enough or strategic enough. I will be up and doing. I will advertise this market aggressively, create partnerships, and ensure we are not just a local market but a destination for furniture buyers nationwide.
Youth empowerment is a big issue. What are your plans for young traders and apprentices?
I will bring peace and progress for our youths. We will create programs to support apprentices, encourage skills acquisition, and ensure young people in this market have opportunities to grow their businesses.
How will you ensure unity in a market with different interests?
Unity is key to progress. As Chief Promotion Chairman, I have been managing different personalities. I will run an open-door administration, carry everybody along, and make decisions in the interest of all, not a few.
Infrastructure is a major challenge in most markets. What is your plan?
We will document our challenges and present them to government and relevant agencies. With proper advocacy and visibility, we can attract support for better roads, drainage, electricity, and other facilities.
The election is on the 14th of next month. What is your message to the voters?
My message is simple: give me your vote and you will see change. I am not a seasonal leader. I live here, I work here, and I have a stake here. Vote for progress, vote for visibility, vote for Mayor.
Some may see you as a “politician.” How do you respond to that?
If serving my people makes me a politician, then so be it. But I am a trader first. I understand the pains of this market because I feel them daily. My politics is the politics of development.
What assurance can you give that you won’t abandon the market after election?
I have no other place. This is my business and my home. The success of Idu Furniture Mart is my success. I will be here before and after the election.
Finally, in one sentence, why should traders choose you?
Choose me because I have the passion, the experience, and the commitment to put Idu Furniture Mart on the map, attract government attention, and ensure prosperity for every trader.
