Maritime Agencies
Toochukwu Ezisi, NAGAFF President, Celebrates 51st Birthday, Pledges To Deliver National Secretariat
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For the freight-forwarding family and, particularly, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders ( NAGAFF), it was a commendations galore, Friday, as the National President, Chief Toochukwu Ezisi marked his 51st birthday anniversary at the NAGAFF Village, Lagos.
Speaking at the event,
Esizi who restated his dedication to foster love and unity within the association and the entire freight forwarding community placed on record the immense love and support the freight forwarding community has showered on him over the years.
As a payback, he expressed commitment to continued dedication to the ideals of the freight forwarding profession and to serve the business community with more love and charity.
The NAGAFF President cited numerous instances of his philanthropic engagements for humanity, adding that he has built 176 houses for widows and the poor in the South East as well as currently sponsoring over 500 students in schools with about 180 currently in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
On the permanent secretariat he promised NAGAFF, he regretted that the challenging economic situation in Nigeria is causing a delay in the delivery. He however expressed determination to fulfil the promise even as he hinted that it might take longer than initially planned. Funds, he stated, had been set aside for the project and as progress is being made on the job, regular updates would be made.
“The delaying factor which all of us know is the bad economy. The bad economy affected everything, but I must tell you, to be honest, it might take us more than the time we said we would do it. But God willing, we will do it. I will stay here to tell you I will have an account for it and we have some money in the account for that project. So, to the best of my knowledge, we are doing well on that side. When we are ready, we will call the press and tell you what we are working on.”
On the birthday party organised for him, he said, “You cannot give what you don’t have. The show of love didn’t just come. The show of love is returning that love I have shown. They didn’t just start. They’ve had other presidents here, and such things have never happened. Something must have happened to allow this to happen. I love my family. I’m a peacemaker. I am not power drunk. My office is open to everybody.
”So, I’ve been living my life for people. I’m a very charitable person. When you talk about love, I understand what love is all about. I understand what love is all about. It’s on record. I’ve built 176 houses for the widows and the poor in the Southeast. I am sponsoring over 500 students and I have over 180 of them in the university. In my town, I have empowered a minimum of 50 people with a minimum of 4 million Naira every year. Everyone knows that I share three houses to the farmers, the best farmers in my community. I’ve run it for many years. I know what love is all about. And that is what I want to instil in NAGAFF”, he promised.
Ezisi stressed the significance of love and unity within the NAGAFF family and the larger society, maintaining that the association under his watch would always prioritize in-house resolution of issues within the freight forwarding community.
The birthday celebration was massively attended by NAGAFF members from different branches, community leaders and personalities from various sectors who took turns to express admiration and gratitude to God for making Ezisi achieve a lot so far in his lifetime.
Maritime Agencies
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) unveils “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue” as the theme of her unification conference scheduled for November 13 in Lagos , several prominent personalities in Nigeria’s maritime industry and political landscape have indicated interest to attend.
These include the former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun; former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Eugene Nweke; and Dr. Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
Also participating are key policymakers, heads of maritime agencies, industry leaders, legal practitioners, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders whose voices cannot be ignored while deliberating on the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye, will chair the conference, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at the event which takes place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
Discussions will particularly focus on ongoing reforms, infrastructure development and strategic interventions required to strengthen the maritime industry’s contribution to national economic growth.
According to Elder Dele Aderibigbe and Jerry Aguigbo, the NNMJ President and Public Relations Officer respectively, the conference will provide an avenue for constructive engagement among government representatives, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical measures to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry for improved efficiency, productivity and global competitiveness.
Seaport modernisation, rehabilitation and renewal of critical port infrastructure, trade facilitation, ease of doing business, revenue optimisation and strategies for identifying and eliminating financial leakages across the maritime value chain will form key discussion points at the Unity Conference.
Participants will also examine opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, generating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and enhancing the competitiveness of the nation’s seaports.
The conference is expected to attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, licensed customs agents and other influential stakeholders across the maritime industry.
The Unity Conference also avails stakeholders opportunity to evaluate existing government policies and reforms, identify implementation gaps and recommend sustainable solutions to improve port operations, facilitate legitimate trade, increase government revenue and unlock the vast economic potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The organizers further underscored the strategic importance of maritime journalism in promoting transparency and accountability, providing credible industry analysis and sustaining informed public discourse on government policies, regulatory interventions and reforms affecting the marine and blue economy.
The NNMJ leadership expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen relationships among industry stakeholders, encourage meaningful policy engagement and reinforce collective efforts towards building a more efficient, transparent and globally competitive maritime industry.
Maritime Agencies
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the 2026 National Convention and Stakeholders’ engagement of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) kicks off November 12 – 14, the
body has called for accelerated reforms and development in Nigeria’s maritime capacity training sector to ensure job creation for graduating cadets.
The convention will bring together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators and shipowners, academics, cadets and other stakeholders for high-level deliberations on the future of the industry.
Speaking during a pre-event briefing in Lagos, Saturday, AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa described the conference as a platform for policy alignment, innovation and practical solutions as it is more than a re+union of alumni.
This year’s convention, Maiguwa explained, is deliberately focused on moving from talk to action — with emphasis on reforms that can be implemented in maritime education, shipping, port operations, safety and blue economy development.
The convention will also provide an opportunity to introduce newly graduated cadets of MAN, Oron and their lecturers to maritime companies, institutions and stakeholders thus expanding their exposure to professional and employment opportunities.
Maiguwa had at the Academy’s 2026 Cadets Passing-Out Parade last week, urged graduands to embrace networking, professional development and mentorship as essential tools for building successful careers and invited them to the Lagos convention.
As part of its commitment to excellence, AMANO also announced cash awards of ₦150,000 each for Best HND Graduating Cadet and Best ND Graduating Cadet.
Stakeholders say the 2026 convention is coming at a critical time when Nigeria is pushing to unlock its blue economy, modernise its ports, strengthen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and translate maritime policies into measurable results.
The three-day event is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, technical workshops, exhibitions and networking sessions, with recommendations to be presented to government and industry for implementation.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Association of Women in Journalism (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter has honoured veteran journalist, Hajia Hadiza Omowole, as Iconic Woman of the month for November.
This is contained in a release in Lagos jointly signed by Mrs Jumoke Falayi-Johnson and Mrs Anu Thomas, NAWOJ Chairperson and Secretary respectively.
Falayi-Johnson described Omowole as a true beacon of excellence, resilience and compassionate leadership, noting her selfless dedication to mentoring young journalists, empowering grassroots women and advocating gender equity..
Omowole’s tenacity, she stated, dedication to service and visionary leadership beautify the world. She described her as Mother-General whose pioneering spirit leaves indelible mark on journalism profession and society generally.
”Omowole holds Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from University of Benin and Master’s in Media, Culture and Technology from University of Bedfordshire, UK, spanning over three-decade distinguished journalism career.
”The veteran journalist joined News Agency of Nigeria in 1992, rising steadily through editorial ranks serving as Senior Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and now Managing Editor and Head of Lagos Operations,” Falayi-Johnson said.
She noted that beyond editorial leadership, Omowole served two historic terms as National President of NAWOJ from 2014 to 2020, becoming first president re-elected, championing welfare and advancement of women journalists nationwide.
Through community specialist work, counselling and initiatives supporting rural and needy women, Omowole continues to serve as an inspiring pillar of guidance for the association and media industry.
The entire NAWOJ Lagos family celebrates Omowole’s unwavering commitment, pioneering spirit and incredible service to humanity, collectively wishing her more success in journalism, leadership and humanitarian endeavours ahead.
Omowole remained actively involved in institutional engagement, public communication, youth development and advocacy for health, child development and gender equality across Nigeria.
In her remarks, NAWOJ Lagos Secretary, Mrs Anu Thomas, noted that the association proudly recognised outstanding contributions of Omowole to journalism, women empowerment and leadership development in Nigerian media landscape.
Falayi-Johnson reiterated association’s pride in celebrating Omowole, describing her enduring legacy as an inspiration for upcoming female journalists and a testament to excellence in media leadership nationwide.
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