Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF Inaugurates Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee, Targets N500M For New Secretariat
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF),Thursday, inaugurated a 33-man committee for her Silver Jubilee celebration.
The committee is also charged with the responsibility to raise N500 million to erect a new National Secretariat.
At the event, NAGAFF President, Chief Toochukwu Ezisi recalled that 25 years ago, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam founded the body as a bold initiative to revolutionize the freight forwarding industry in Nigeria.
“Today, as we look back,” he continued, “we see not just an organisation, but a thriving community that has consistently upheld its values of integrity, professionalism and excellence”.
He expressed great excitement for two significant milestones in the journey of NAGAFF.
“First, we gather to inaugurate the committee responsible for planning our Silver Jubilee celebration—a momentous occasion marking 25 years of unwavering commitment and excellence. Second, we are here to launch the committee tasked with overseeing the acquisition of a new Secretariat, a pivotal investment of 500 Million Naira that will shape our future”.
“As we approach the Silver Jubilee of NAGAFF, we are not merely reflecting on the past but also celebrating the progress we have made in the freight forwarding industry. Our Silver Jubilee is a testament to the collective hardwork, dedication, and vision of every member who has contributed to making NAGAFF a beacon of excellence in our sector. This celebration will honour our achievements, acknowledge our growth, and inspire us as we look towards the future”.
Chief Ezisi explained that the Silver Jubilee Planning Committee will play a crucial role to ensure that this milestone is marked with the grandeur and significance it deserves.
“Your task is not just to organise an event but to craft an experience that reflects NAGAFF’s values by embarking on a transformative journey with the acquisition of a new Secretariat, a 500 million Naira investment that will secure a future where NAGAFF can continue to thrive, innovate, and lead. Our new Secretariat will serve as a hub for our operations, a symbol of our progress, and a place where we will continue to build on our legacy of excellence”.
He reminded the 33-man committee headed by Chief Afam Chukwuma and Fwdr Stanley Ezenga as chairman and secretary respectively that their target was to identify the right location for the secretariat and negotiate terms. The committee will also ensure that the new secretariat meets the highest standards of functionality and excellence.
Speaking to the media after the event, Chief Ezisi said he expects the committee to achieve higher than the set target because they have what it takes to do so. On the possibility of realizing the new secretariat within his tenure, the president said that government is a continuum.
“Even if it is not acquired during my tenure, the other administration after mine shall continue with that quest”.
In his address earlier, NAGAFF Board of Trustees chairman, Mazi Chidiebere Enelamah went down memory lane on the origin of NAGAF and how Dr Boniface Aniebonam, a man he described as ‘the Nostradamus of our time’ braved all odds to establish what later turned out a formidable body of freight forwarders. He also commended Dr. Iyiola Oni of the University of Lagos, Mr. Sanusi Usman and some others who believed in the vision of Dr. Aniebonam and helped to nurture and grow the association to the present level.
Mazi Enelamah charged the committee chairman and his team to strive to acheive the set target of 500 Million Naira for the acquisition of the new secretariat saying their names would be written in the annals of the association if they do so.
Speaking later, committee chairman, Chief Afam Chukwuma said even though N500 million was ambitious, realizing it is possible. The committee, he assured, has accepted the challenge of meeting the target and surpassing same. The committee, he added, would arrange a befitting 25th anniversary celebration for the body on November 16, 2024, as well as put up a forbidable ceremony to generate funds for the new secretariat.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following a keenly-contested election, Thursday, Oluyinka Onigbinde, Assistant Editor, Shipping Position Daily, emerged the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
Out of 33 votes, Onigbinde polled 20 while his closest rival, Rev John Iwori, had 13.
The election, which witnessed active participation by members of the association, also produced other executive officers to pilot the affairs of MARAN following the dissolution of the Tunde Ayodele-led Caretaker Committee. These are Sylvanus Obasi (Vice President), Fabian Anawo (Secretary) and Amina Ojelabi (Assistant Secretary). Others are Ruth Umunnna (Treasurer), Ambrose Okehi (Financial Secretary) and Providence Ayanfeoluwa (Public Relations Officer).
The new MARAN Executive during swearing-in by Mr Leye Ajayi, the Lagos NUJ Chairman.
Speaking after swearing in the officers, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), urged the newly-elected officers to conduct the affairs of the maritime journalists’ body with a deep sense of patriotism while promoting professionalism, welfare, and unity among members of the association.
Maritime Agencies
Anti-Smuggling Operations: FOU ‘A’ Customs Seizes N2.35bn Drugs, Pledges Hard Times for Smugglers.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the past eight weeks, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja , Lagos, intercepted narcotics and contrabands valued at over N5.5billion, thus, posting a substantial breakthrough in the sustained efforts to deal with smuggling of illicit goods and unauthorized importations.
The FOU Zone ‘A’ Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo announced this in Lagos, Tuesday, during a press conference.
Beside cocaine worth ₦2.35 billion, large quantities of 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice equivalent of 15 trailers, petroleum products, used vehicles, and other prohibited goods were also displayed as confiscated.
During the period, he stated, the Unit carried out 473 successful interdictions, seizing 8,794 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 22 used vehicles, 328 bales of used clothing, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle valued at ₦119 million.
Also seized were 531 cartons of frozen poultry, 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 485 used tyres, and several cartons of spaghetti and sugar.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu revealed that operatives at the Gbaji Customs on Seme Road intercepted a 71-year-old suspect along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor with 6.35kg of cocaine concealed in a Toyota Highlander. The drugs, comprising powdered and crystalline variants, carry an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
Under a special operation code-named Operation Hawk, the unit also seized 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian loud,” weighing 1,540kg. The seized narcotics were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a formal handover ceremony during the briefing, for further investigation and prosecution.
The CAC who lamented the huge harm consumption of drugs inflicts on the Nigerian society regretted that today, many homes are broken.
”A lot of homes are broken due to drugs and the results of drug trafficking. Our mandate is to cut off the supply chain, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
He further unveiled four cylinders of mercury concealed in a vehicle along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, describing the hazardous substance as regulated under international conventions.
The unit also recovered ₦97.7 million through Demand Notices on under-declared consignments. He requested for stronger collaboration among security agencies to confront and overcome various strategies being applied by purveyors of illicit trade networks.
Commending the synergy between the NCS and the NDLEA, Narcotics Commander, Kabiru I, K. explained that this should send a strong signal to purveyors of illicit trade that the South-West corridor is under close surveillance.
Customs
Kaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated a strong desire to ensure free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan international trade corridor by eradicating all negative factors involved. This it is implementing through effective collaboration and engagement with critical stakeholders.
This is contained in a release by the Command’s image maker, Superintendent of Customs J.T. Ayagbalo, on behalf of Comptroller Kaila, the Customs Area Controller.
While on a series of familiarization visits to the Palaces of traditional rulers and stations of heads of sister security agencies, the CAC announced that the step signifies a bold commitment to achieving the goals and objectives of the Service in line with the Federal government economic policies.
At the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, a highly recognized traditional ruler across the border communities and beyond.
””The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service. Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade and suppress smuggling. And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we cannot have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said.
In response, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, described Kaila as a son of the soil, added: “We have listened to your request. Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya where he signified his commitment to fostering the service’s relationship with residents living within the border communities
”I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required. In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he stated.
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
”I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need. Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your present here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, the controller visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry. The Air Force base formation expressed their readiness to always support the command in achieving its mandate. This was revealed by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, where he added that both agencies shared similar purposes.
”Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility. Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familiarization tour by seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
MARAN Elects Yinka Onigbinde As New President.
Anti-Smuggling Operations: FOU ‘A’ Customs Seizes N2.35bn Drugs, Pledges Hard Times for Smugglers.
Kaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
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