NAGAFF to celebrate 20th Anniversary in grand style *To pay hospital bills of less privileged *Invites CGC Ali for presentation on Customs modernisation

*From left: Dipo Olayoku, Director, Corporate Affairs, NAGAFF, Chief Ezisi and Dr Nweke, addressing news men:

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, has concluded plans to celebrate its 20th Anniversary in grand style.

To make the Anniversary unique and most outstanding in the history of freight forwarding in Nigeria, NAGAFF will visit Apapa General Hospital, to settle bills of some patients having difficulty in paying their bills.

The Chairman, Organising Committee of NAGAFF at 20, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, made this known to news men during a press conference, at NAGAFF head quarters in Lagos.

He said, “At 20 years of successful freight forwarding activities in the maritime industry, we have every reason to shout on the roof top. To show that the efforts of the man who had this vision, Dr Boniface Aniebonam and other like-minds, did not go in vain.

“NAGAFF has grown to be an IROKO tree, with branches all over. This calls for celebration and some activities have been lined up to commemorate the occasion, beginning from Friday, November 29, 2019.”

Chief Ezisi, who is also a member of CRFFN, explained, “There will be Jumuat prayer at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Central Mosque by 1.30pm, the first day.

“On Saturday, November 30, 2019, NAGAFF members will carry out environmental sanitation at two points, MMIA and Apapa port, by 8.00am.

“That same Saturday, by 10.00am, there will be matriculation ceremony for new students of NAGAFF Academy.

“On Sunday, December 1, 2019, there will be a Church Thanksgiving service at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Aguda, Surulere, by 11.30am.

“Interestingly, our first anniversary Church service was held at the same Church.

“On Monday, December 2, 2019, we will be at Apapa General hospital for charity visit by 10.00am. Later that same day, there will be Annual General Meeting.

“On Tuesday, December 3, 2019, all roads lead to Golden Tulip hotel, Amuwo Odofin, for the grand finale”.

He informed, “The ceremony will really be outstanding.

“A respected scholar, Prof. Iyiola Oni, who is the current Chairman, Institute of  Maritime Studies, University of Lagos, will give the Annual lecture, with the theme, ‘The Single Window Evolution under African Continental Free Agreement Regime

“The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu is expected as the Special guest of honour, while the Hon. Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, will give the keynote address. The Executive Secretary and CEO, Nigeria Shippers Council,  Barr. Hassan Bello will be the Chairman of the occasion.

“The Chairman, Governing Board of CRFFN, Alhaji Abubakar Tsanni will be the Guest of honour. There will be paper presentation by the CG of Customs, CGC Ali Hameed, on ‘Impact of Customs further modernisation as a veritable tool for trade facilitation’, while Barr. Okwudili Alagbu, will speak on ‘Establishment of CRFFN ACT 16, 2007 and its subsequent amendment-matter arising’.

The event will also afford NAGAFF opportunity to appreciate individuals who have contributed to the growth of the industry, through Award of Excellence to deserving operators.

Speaking Further, the former President of NAGAFF, Dr Eugene Nweke, said that not less than 25 students of NAGAFF Academy will do their matriculation.

He said, “The 20 anniversary is unique because NAGAFF has recorded great feats in the maritime sector.

“NAGAFF brings professionalism, discipline and integrity to bear in freight forwarding practice in the industry”.