…a resourceful personality – Aniebonam
…a brilliant, all rounder professional -Enelamah
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Headquarters was agog on Wednesday 31st July, 2024 as the Freight Forwarding Association, celebrated one of its founding member of the Association who was going on retirement after many years of meritorious service to the organisation.
Barrister Fred Ahkokia’s journey in the Association officially came to a glorious end last Wednesday although he maintains that the bond between him and the Association is unbreakable as he would continue to be with the Association in spirit.
Ahkokia served NAGAFF in many capacities: he was the first Secretary General of NAGAFF for close to four years, before upgrading to the position of Deputy President.
A brilliant and erudite lawyer, he also served as the Association’s legal adviser on many occasions.
The first Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ahkokia excelled in all assignments and positions he held and even at retirement remains the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Association, as well as a member NAGAFF Council of Elders.
Speaking during the auspicious occasion, graced by the BOT Chairman, Chief Chidiebere Enelamah, and the members, Deputy National Vice Presidents Headquarters and Seaports, Forwarder Simeon Nwonu, Chief Afam Chukuma, Chairman Elders Council, Prince Ignatius Nwachukwu and other NAGAFF members, the Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, described Ahkokia as his personal friend who contributed immensely to the growth of the Association and the Industry at large.
According to Aniebonam, “Fred is a gentle man and very controversial. He sees things from his perspective of Law while I see mine from a lay man’s perspective.
“We disagree to agree most times. He is a resourceful person. He signed my appointment paper into Nigeria Customs Service(NCS).”
Speaking also, the National Deputy President of NAGAFF Seaports, Chief Afam Chukuma, described Ahkokia
as very illustrious, hard working legal luminary who has proved his mettle in the profession and has always pushed for justice and equity.
Continuing Chukuma said: “Barrister is a man of honour. He is a man of integrity. Number 1 Legal Adviser of NAGAFF. We respect his decision to retire to the South South to continue his life there.
“He has been a great man in his profession and I pray to God to always bless him and keep him.”
In an interview, Ahkokia noted that, “by the grace of God, we are gathered here today to celebrate me. The board of NAGAFF and the founder decided that haven served this organisation for a long time, that I must be celebrated.
“So we are gathered here today to celebrate me.”
He said his experience in NAGAFF has been a very memorable one.
“My experience in NAGAFF over the years has been a very rewarding one.
“Basically, in NAGAFF, we see ourselves as one family. And that is why our slogan is ‘ up NAGAFF, one family.
“There is no acrimony, there are no quarrels, and even when you have disagreement with anyone, the matter is amicably resolved.
“We eat from one plate and drink from one cup. So our relationship here in NAGAFF is cordial and harmonious.
“So for me , NAGAFF has been a very pleasant experience.”
Ahkokia who was filled with warmth and excitement said he will miss everyone in NAGAFF.
He said: “These are people I see everyday, now I will not be seeing them physically – that comradeship I will miss but I will always be with them in spirit.
“Thank God for social media I can always reach any one of them. As the Secretary of the Board of Trustees we can always discuss on zoom.”
For him there are no challenges that are insurmountable.
According to him, the Founder of NAGAFF believes in the philosophy that every challenge is a stepping stone to a greater height.
To him there was no particular challenge he encountered during his time at NAGAFF.
He advised the young freight forwarders to subject themselves to learning.
“I will advise the young freight forwarders to be humble and wait for their time.They should not try to overreach the philosophy of NAGAFF itself.
“We call ourselves members of one family; they should continue like that. And as they do that, the sky will not only be a starting point for them,” he advised.
Ahkokia said the legacy he is leaving behind is hard work, saying that without hard work there can’t be any legacy.
“I want every young freight forwarder to follow that path. Try to be as hard working as you can be.
“If you are hard working, the sky is not the limit but a starting point for you.
“Let them not be in a hurry. Let them queue up but wait for their turn,” the legal practitioner advised further.
He added that if they should focus on the ideals of NAGAFF and do exactly what NAGAFF asks them to do.